Vehicle illumination systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/442,273,entitled “Vehicle Illumination Systems and Methods,” filed Jan. 4, 2017,the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Various advanced driver assistance systems incorporate visual, acousticand/or sensor warnings. Visual interfaces for these assistance systemsmust minimize both driver reaction time to warnings and the workload onthe driver to comprehend and respond to the warning or information.Conventional instrument panel and center-stack displays require thedriver's attention be drawn away from navigating the vehicle. Similarly,idealized heads up displays can be jarring and sometimes distracting tothe driver.

Therefore, a need in the art exists for a driver assistance system thatutilizes the driver's peripheral vision and allows the driver to keepboth hands on the wheel while maintaining focus in their direct line ofsight. In doing so, drivers can gain valuable and important reactiontime in critical driving situations. There is also a need in the art forimproved illumination systems and methods that illuminate the interiorof the vehicle using visible and/or infrared light. These illuminationsystems may be used by occupant monitoring systems to monitor theoccupants of the vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various implementations include an illumination system for a steeringassembly of a vehicle. The illumination system comprises a base, ahousing, a light guide, and at least one light source. The base hasfirst and second sidewalls, and the first and second side walls arespaced apart from each other and define a channel therebetween. Thehousing has a ceiling and defines a window that faces an occupant of thevehicle. The light guide has a first surface and a second surface thatextends between a first end and a second end of the light guide. Thelight guide further comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. Theinner surface and outer surface are spaced apart from each other andextend between the first and second ends and the first and secondsurfaces. At least one light source is disposed adjacent the first endof the light guide, and the light source emits light into the first endof the light guide. At least a first portion of the first surface of thelight guide is disposed within the channel between the first and secondsidewalls of the base. The base is coupled to the housing such that thelight guide is disposed within the housing and such that at least aportion of the outer surface of the light guide is adjacent the windowand the light guide transmits light from the light source through theportion of the outer surface of the light guide and through the window.

In some implementations, the first sidewall of the base extends betweenthe outer surface of the light guide and the window, and at least aportion of said first sidewall is transparent or translucent.

In some implementations, a lens is disposed between the outer surface ofthe light guide and the window.

In some implementations, the system includes one or more light directingfilms disposed adjacent the outer surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the second sidewall of the base comprises afirst surface and a second surface that is spaced apart from andopposite the first surface, and the second sidewall defines at least oneopening that extends between the first and second surfaces of the secondsidewall. The housing also defines at least one opening, and theopenings in the second sidewall and the housing are alignable forreceiving a fastener to couple the base and the housing.

In some implementations, the light source is thermally coupled to aframe of the steering assembly such that the frame transfers heat fromthe light source toward the frame.

In some implementations, the light guide transmits light through theentire outer surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the light source is a first light emittingdiode, and the system further comprises a second light emitting diodeadjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light emittingdiode emits light into the second end of the light guide.

In some implementations, the first light source comprises at least oneinfrared LED, and the second light source comprises at least one visibleLED.

In some implementations, the first surface of the light guide is arcuateshaped between the first and second ends and has a radius of curvature,and the base comprises an arcuate shaped support surface disposed withinthe channel between the first and second side walls. The arcuate shapedsupport surface has a radius of curvature that matches the radius ofcurvature of the first surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the second surface of the light guide isarcuate shaped, and the housing further comprises an arcuate shapedceiling. The second surface of the light guide is received by thearcuate shaped ceiling of the housing.

In some implementations, the radius of curvature of the second surfaceand the radius of curvature of the first surface are the same.

In some implementations, the radius of curvature of the second surfaceis the same as a radius of curvature of the arcuate shaped ceiling.

In some implementations, the housing is integrally formed with a backcover for coupling to a hub portion of a frame of the steering assembly.

In some implementations, the housing is separately formed and coupled toa hub portion of a frame of the steering assembly.

In some implementations, the housing comprises one or more tabs thatextend from an inner surface of the housing, and the base comprises acoupling plate that extends from the second sidewall. The coupling platedefines one or more openings for receiving the one or more tabs andcoupling the housing with the base.

In some implementations, the housing and the base are opaque.

In some implementations, the at least one light source is coupled to aprinted circuit board, and the printed circuit board is coupled to oneend of the base such that the at least one light source is adjacent thechannel.

In some implementations, the light guide comprises two or more lightguide segments. The two or more light guide segments are separatelyformed, and the at least one light source comprises two or more lightsources. Each light source is disposed adjacent an end of the respectivelight guide segment. The light sources are separately controllable forilluminating separately or simultaneously.

In some implementations, adjacent surfaces of the light guide segmentsabut each other at an interface, and the interface comprises a lightblocking material for preventing light from the segments from beingemitted into the adjacent segments.

In some implementations, the base defines at least one opening forreceiving a fastener.

Various other implementations include an illumination system for anoccupant monitoring system of an occupant within a vehicle. Theillumination system comprises a light guide and at least one infraredlight source. The light guide has an outer surface and an inner surfacethat extends between a first end and a second end of the light guide.The at least one infrared light source is disposed adjacent the firstend of the light guide, and the light source emits infrared light intothe first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits infraredlight from the infrared light source through at least a portion of theouter surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the outer and inner surfaces of the light guideare arcuate-shaped between the ends and are spaced apart and oppositeeach other relative to a plane that extends through the first and secondends of the light guide and is parallel to the outer and inner surfacesof the light guide.

In some implementations, the system further includes an outer lenshaving an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a firstend and a second end of the outer lens. The outer and inner surfaces ofthe outer lens are arcuate-shaped between the ends of the outer lens andare spaced apart and opposite each other relative to a plane thatextends through the first and second ends of the outer lens and isparallel to the outer and inner surfaces of the outer lens, wherein theinner surface of the outer lens is disposed adjacent the outer surfaceof the light guide.

In some implementations, the system further includes one or more lightdirecting films disposed between the outer surface of the light guideand the inner surface of the outer lens. The one or more light directingfilms change a characteristic of the light passing through the one ormore light directing films.

In some implementations, the inner and outer surfaces of the lens andthe light guide have a radius of curvature that is similar to the radiusof curvature of an arcuate shaped portion of a frame of the steeringwheel, and the lens and light guide are coupled to the arcuate shapedportion of the frame such that the inner and outer surfaces of the lensand light guide follow the arcuate-shaped portion of the frame.

In some implementations, the arcuate shaped portion of the framecomprises a thermally conductive material, and the light source isthermally coupled to the arcuate shaped portion of the frame such thatthe frame transfers heat from the light source toward the frame.

In some implementations, the light guide transmits light through theentire outer surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the arcuate shaped portion of the frame is aportion of the rim of the steering wheel frame.

In some implementations, the system further includes a visible lightsource disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The visiblelight source emits visible light into the second end of the light guide,and the light guide transmits the visible light through at least aportion of the outer surface of the light guide with the infrared light.

In some implementations, the visible light source comprises a visiblelight emitting diode (LED) and the infrared light source comprises aninfrared LED.

In some implementations, the light guide is coupled to an upper portionof a hub of a steering assembly.

In some implementations, a back cover is coupled to the hub, and thelight guide is coupled adjacent an upper portion of the back cover.

In some implementations, the light source is thermally coupled to theframe such that the frame transfers heat from the light source towardthe frame.

In some implementations, the infrared light source is coupled to aprinted circuit board (PCB), and the PCB is thermally coupled to a frameof a steering assembly.

Various other implementations include an illumination system within avehicle. The illumination system includes a light guide, a first lightsource, and a second light source. The light guide has an outer surfaceand an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end ofthe light guide. The first light source is disposed adjacent the firstend of the light guide for emitting light into the first end of thelight guide. The second light source is disposed adjacent the innersurface of the light guide for transmitting light through at least aportion of the inner surface of the light guide and through at least aportion of the outer surface of the light guide. The first light sourceis one of a visible light source or an infrared light source, and thesecond light source is the other of the infrared light source or thevisible light source.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the light guide has afirst end portion adjacent the first end of the light guide and a secondend portion adjacent the second end of the light guide, and the secondlight source is disposed adjacent at least one of the first end portionor the second end portion.

In some implementations, at least a portion of the inner surface of thelight guide comprises a plurality of micro-lenses configured for guidinglight exiting the outer surface of the light guide to exit at an angleof about 90° from the outer surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, a density of the micro-lenses increases as adistance from the light source increases.

In some implementations, the end portion adjacent the light source isvoid of any micro-lenses.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the light guide has afirst end portion adjacent the first end of the light guide and a secondend portion adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second lightsource is an infrared light source disposed adjacent at least one of thefirst end portion or the second end portion.

In some implementations, the infrared light source comprises at leastone infrared light emitting diode (LED).

In some implementations, the visible light source comprises at least onevisible light LED.

In some implementations, the system further includes a third lightsource disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide and a fourthlight source disposed adjacent the inner surface of the light guide andspaced apart from the second light source. The first and third lightsources each comprise at least one visible light LED, and the second andfourth light sources each comprise at least one infrared LED.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the light guide has afirst end portion adjacent the first end of the light guide and a secondend portion adjacent the second end of the light guide, and the infraredLEDs are disposed adjacent the first end portion and the second endportion.

In some implementations, the outer and inner surfaces of the light guideare arcuate-shaped between the ends and spaced apart and opposite eachother relative to a plane that extends through the first and second endsof the light guide and is parallel to the outer and inner surfaces ofthe light guide.

In some implementations, the system further includes an arcuate-shaped,transparent outer lens. The outer lens is disposed adjacent the outersurface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the inner and outer surfaces of the light guidehave a radius of curvature that is similar to a radius of curvature ofan arcuate shaped portion of a frame of a steering assembly, and thelight guide is coupled to the arcuate shaped portion of the frame suchthat the inner and outer surfaces of the light guide follow thearcuate-shaped portion of the frame.

Various other implementations include an illumination system for asteering assembly of a vehicle. The illumination system comprises asegmented display, a light guide, an outer lens, and at least one lightsource. The segmented display has an outer surface and an inner surfacethat extend between a first end and a second end of the segmenteddisplay. The light guide has an outer surface and an inner surface thatextend between a first end and a second end of the light guide. Theouter surface of the light guide is disposed adjacent the inner surfaceof the segmented display. The outer lens is disposed adjacent the outersurface of the segmented display, and the outer lens comprises at leasttwo graphic patterns on a surface thereof. And, the at least one lightsource is disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The lightsource emits visible light into the first end of the light guide. Thelight guide transmits light from the light source through at least aportion of the outer surface of the light guide toward the inner surfaceof the segmented display. The segmented display comprises two or moresegments. Each segment is separately activatable for allowing passage oflight from the inner surface of the segmented display through anyactivated segments of the segmented display and preventing passage oflight through any non-activated segments of the segmented display. Eachsegment is adjacent a respective graphic pattern to be illuminated.

In some implementations, the segmented display is a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD).

In some implementations, the LCD is an improved black nematic (IBN)display.

In some implementations, the light source is a light emitting diode(LED).

In some implementations, the at least one light source comprises a firstLED emitting white light and a second LED emitting white light. Thefirst LED is disposed adjacent the first end and the second LED isdisposed adjacent the second end. The segments comprise a first filtersegment that filters transmission of light wavelengths except for afirst color and a second filter segment that filters transmission oflight wavelengths except for a second color.

In some implementations, the system further comprises a computerprocessor for electrically communicating with a driver of the LCD. Thecomputer processor is disposed on a rotatable portion of the steeringwheel.

In some implementations, the computer processor is disposed adjacent theLCD.

In some implementations, the driver of the LCD is disposed on the LCD ina chip-on-glass configuration.

In some implementations, the steering wheel comprises a frame comprisinga thermally conductive material, and the light source is thermallycoupled to the frame such that heat is transferred away from the lightsource toward the frame.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the light guide comprisesa plurality of micro-lenses configured for guiding light to exit fromthe outer surface of the light guide.

In some implementations, the lens comprises an inner surface and anouter surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent the outer surfaceof the LCD, and the one or more graphic patterns are disposed on theouter surface of the lens.

In some implementations, the outer and inner surfaces of the LCD arearcuate-shaped between the ends and spaced apart from and opposite eachother relative to a plane that extends through the first and second endsof the LCD and is parallel to the outer and inner surfaces. The outerand inner surfaces of the light guide are arcuate-shaped between theends of the light guide and spaced apart and opposite each otherrelative to a plane that extends through the first and second ends ofthe light guide and is parallel to the outer and inner surfaces of thelight guide. And, the lens comprises outer and inner surfaces and firstand second ends. The outer and inner surfaces of the lens arearcuate-shaped between the ends of the lens and spaced apart andopposite each other relative to a plane that extends through the firstand second ends of the lens and is parallel to the outer and innersurfaces of the lens.

In some implementations, the inner and outer surfaces of the LCD andlight guide have a radius of curvature that is similar to a radius ofcurvature of an arcuate shaped portion of a frame of the steering wheel,and the LCD and light guide are coupled to the arcuate shaped portion ofthe frame such that the inner and outer surfaces of the LCD and lightguide follow the arcuate-shaped portion of the frame.

In some implementations, the LCD and light guide are disposed within anarcuate shaped tray, and the arcuate shaped tray is coupled to thearcuate shaped portion of the frame.

In some implementations, the light source comprises a visible lightmulti-color LED.

In some implementations, the light source comprises a visible lightsingle color LED.

In some implementations, graphic patterns are defined by at least onefilm disposed on the lens.

In some implementations, the film is disposed on the outer surface ofthe lens.

In some implementations, graphic patterns are defined by etching on theouter surface of the lens.

In some implementations, the graphic patterns are transparent ortranslucent and the lens adjacent the graphic patterns is opaque.

Various other implementations include an illumination system within avehicle. The illumination system includes a light guide, at least onevisible light source, and a lens. The light guide has an outer surfaceand an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end ofthe light guide. The at least one visible light source is disposedadjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emitsvisible light into the first end of the light guide. The lens has aninner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the lens isdisposed adjacent the outer surface of the light guide, and the outersurface of the lens is covered by an opaque cover. The opaque coverdefines transparent and/or translucent portions. The light guidetransmits visible light from the visible light source through at least aportion of the outer surface of the light guide, and the light from theouter surface of the light guide passes through the lens and thetransparent and/or translucent portions of the opaque cover.

In some implementations, the illumination system is coupled to a rim ofa steering assembly, and the opaque cover matches an outer cover aroundthe rim.

In some implementations, the opaque cover is leather, and thetransparent and/or translucent portions are perforations defined in theopaque cover.

In some implementations, the light source is a visible light emittingdiode (LED).

In some implementations, the light source comprises a first visible LEDadjacent the first end of the light guide and a second visible LEDadjacent the second end of the light guide.

In some implementations, the first visible LED emits a first color oflight, and the second visible LED emits a second color of light.

In some implementations, the first and second color are the same.

In some implementations, the first and second color are different.

In some implementations, the outer and inner surfaces of the light guideare arcuate-shaped between the ends of the light guide and spaced apartand opposite each other relative to a plane that extends through thefirst and second ends of the light guide and is parallel to the outerand inner surfaces of the light guide.

In some implementations, the lens has a first end and a second end, andthe outer and inner surfaces of the lens are arcuate-shaped between theends of the lens as viewed from a first plane that extends through eachend and as viewed from a second plane that extends perpendicular to theouter and inner surfaces of the lens.

In some implementations, the opaque cover is an opaque coating on thelens, and the transparent and/or translucent portions are etched fromthe opaque coating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various implementations are explained in even greater detail in thefollowing example drawings. The drawings are merely examples toillustrate the structure of various devices and certain features thatmay be used singularly or in combination with other features. Theinvention should not be limited to the implementations shown.

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-section view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 3B is a partial view of a top section of an example steering grip;

FIG. 3C is a schematic partial cross-section view of an example steeringgrip and light element;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-section view of an example steeringgrip and light element;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-section view of an example light element;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-section view of an example light element;

FIG. 5C is a partial cross-section view of an example light element;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 6B is a plan view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 6C is a plan view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 6D is a plan view of an example steering grip;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and lightelement;

FIG. 13 is a schematic computer system architecture of an examplesteering apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a schematic computer system architecture of an examplesteering apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of an example steering grip and shapedlight bar warning system;

FIG. 16 is a left perspective view of the shaped light bar warningsystem shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial right perspective view of the shaped light barwarning system of FIG. 15 cut along section line A-A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 18 is a partial left perspective view of the shaped light barwarning system of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the shaped light bar warning system ofFIG. 15 illustrating its assembly, according to one implementation;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the shaped light bar warningsystem of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an outer lens that may be disposed overthe shaped light bar warning system of FIG. 15, according to oneimplementation;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a frame coupling member according to analternative implementation;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the frame coupling member shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the outer lens and light guide having a lightaltering film disposed there between according to one implementation;

FIG. 25 is a side view of a portion of the light guide according to oneimplementation;

FIG. 26A is a perspective view of an inner surface of an outer capaccording to one implementation;

FIG. 26B is a perspective view of an outer surface of the outer capshown in FIG. 26A;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a tray according to anotherimplementation;

FIG. 28 is a side view of an illumination system according to anotherimplementation;

FIG. 29 is an infrared image of the illumination system of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a side view of an illumination system according to anotherimplementation;

FIG. 31A is a side view of an illumination system according to anotherimplementation;

FIG. 31B is a front view of the illumination system of FIG. 31A;

FIG. 31C is a cross sectional view of the illumination system in FIG.31A taken along section line F-F;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the illumination system of FIG. 31A with alens disposed adjacent an outer surface of the light guide;

FIG. 33A illustrates is a side view of an illumination system accordingto another implementation;

FIG. 33B is a partial front view of an example steering grip and theillumination system of FIG. 33A;

FIG. 34A illustrates is a side view of an illumination system accordingto another implementation;

FIG. 34B is a front view of a covering for coupling with theillumination system of FIG. 34A;

FIG. 34C is an inner surface view of the covering shown in FIG. 34B;

FIGS. 34D-34H illustrate examples of patterns of perforations that maybe defined by the covering of FIG. 34B, according to variousimplementations;

FIG. 35 is an end perspective view of a base of an illumination systemaccording to one implementation;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the base in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of the base of FIG. 35 with a PCBand LED and a light guide, according to one implementation;

FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of a back cover with a housing,according to one implementation; and

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of the illumination systemcomponents shown in FIGS. 35-38 assembled together.

FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective front view of a base of anillumination system according to another implementation.

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective rear view of a base and light guide ofthe illumination system shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective end view of the base shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 illustrates a front view of the light guide shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of the base shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 45 illustrates a front perspective view of a housing for couplingwith the base of the illumination system shown in FIG. 40

FIG. 46 illustrates a bottom view of the housing shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 illustrates a cross sectional view of the housing shown in FIG.45 as indicated by the A-A line.

FIG. 48 illustrates a front view of an illumination system coupled witha back cover according to another implementation.

FIG. 49 illustrates a front perspective view of an inner base of theillumination system shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 illustrates a bottom view of an outer base of the illuminationsystem shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 51 illustrates a front view of the illumination system shown inFIG. 48.

FIG. 52 illustrates a front view of a portion of the illumination systemshown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 53 illustrates a front perspective view of the light guidesegments, lens, and PCBs of the illumination system shown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 54 illustrates the light guide segments, lens, and PCBs of theillumination system shown in FIG. 53 with the third light guide segmentilluminated through the lens.

FIG. 55 illustrates a front perspective view of the light guide segmentsand PCBs shown in FIG. 53, without the lens.

FIG. 56 illustrates a top perspective view of the second and third lightguide segments shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 57 illustrates a front perspective view of the illumination systemshown in FIG. 48.

FIG. 58 illustrates a front perspective view of the illumination systemshown in FIG. 48 coupled with a back cover of a steering assembly.

FIG. 59 illustrates a top view of the first, second, and third lightguide segments and PCBs shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 60 illustrates a partial front view of the steering assembly withthe illumination system of FIG. 48 coupled thereto and the third lightguide segment illuminated.

FIG. 61 illustrates a partial front view of the steering assembly withthe illumination system of FIG. 48 coupled thereto and the first lightguide segment illuminated.

FIG. 62 illustrates a partial front view of the steering assembly withthe illumination system of FIG. 48 coupled thereto and the second lightguide segment illuminated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples of implementations of the invention will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings. In general, suchimplementations relate to a steering apparatus for a vehicle. FIG. 1 isa partial plan view of an example steering apparatus 100 having asteering grip 102. The steering grip 102 can be configured for grippingto facilitate control of the vehicle. For example, the steering grip 102may be mounted on a fixed component (not shown) such that it isrotationally movable about a steering axis. An example fixed componentcan include, for example, a steering column, which receives a steeringspindle that extends along the steering axis and serves to transmit therotational movement of the steering grip 102 to the wheels of the motorvehicle. Rotational movement of the steering grip 102 may be transmittedto the wheels by mechanical and/or electrical means. In an exampleimplementation, the steering grip 102 can include a single continuousgrip portion or any number of unique grip sections. For example, thesteering grip 102 can include an annular ring shape with an outercontour that is essentially circular in shape. In an alternateimplementation, the steering grip 102 can define any suitable shapeincluding, for example, circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, orany other regular or irregular shape.

In an example implementation, the steering apparatus 100 also includes alight element 104 for providing indication and/or warning light signalsto the driver of the vehicle. The light element 104 can include, forexample, a liquid crystal display (LCD), thin-film-transistor display,active-matrix display, a segmented display (e.g., improved black nematic(IBN), super twisted nematic (STN), etc.), a light-emitting diode (LED),laser, halogen, fluorescent, an infra-red (IR) LED illuminator, organiclight emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other suitable lightemitting element. In an alternate implementation, the light element caninclude a light pipe (not shown) having a start and end LEDs located atopposite ends of a (solid or hollow) molded plastic rod. The steeringapparatus 100 can also include a reflective material or surface forrecycling light emitted from the light element 104 and can be used todirect light to the driver. In an example implementation, when the lightelement 104 comprises an IR LED illuminator, illumination of the IR LEDmay also provide a desirable heat effect to the steering grip 102 andmay direct heat towards the driver's hands. For example, a steering grip102 may include a heat element, usually a heater mesh, used to provide aheat effect on the steering grip 102. The heat mesh may be wrappedaround the steering grip 102 and/or incorporated into the grip covermaterial. In an example steering apparatus 100, the heat mesh does notcover over the portion of the steering grip 102 including the lightelement 104 thereby resulting in a gap in the heat effect. IR LEDs maybe used as the light element 104 to provide the heat effect in the areaof the light element 104, thereby providing a full heat effect at thesurface of the steering grip 102. In another example steering apparatus100, the heat mesh covers, partially or entirely, the portion of thesteering grip 102 including the light element 104, thereby reducingand/or eliminating any gap in the heat effect.

In an example implementation, the light element 104 can display a singlecolor or multiple colors. For example, the LED can include a singlecolor LED, a bi-color LED, and a tri-color LED. The steering apparatus100 can include a single light element 104 or any number of lightelements 104. Moreover, different types of light elements 104 may beimplemented on the same steering apparatus 100. For example, a steeringgrip 102 may include both standard LEDs and IR LEDs. The light element104 can be located at any portion of the steering grip 102. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 1, the light element 104 can be located on aninterior edge of the steering grip 102. In an alternate implementation,not shown, the light element 104 can be located on an exterior edge ofthe steering grip 102. In an alternate implementation (not shown), thelight element 104 can be located on a front or back face of the steeringgrip 102. The light element 104 can be provided in a direction definedby the perimeter/diameter of the steering grip 102. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the light element 104 can extend along thedirection of the upper half of the steering grip 102 on the innerdiameter of the steering grip 102. The light element can define anysuitable shape including, for example, circular, elliptical, square,rectangular, or any other regular or irregular shape. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the light element 104 is provided with anelongated shape having curvilinear sides. In an alternate implementationprovided in FIG. 2, the light element 104 can include a vertical element106 extending in a radial direction of the steering grip 102.

FIG. 3A provides a schematic side cross-section view of an examplesteering grip 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the steering grip 102includes a light element 104 positioned on the inner diameter of thesteering grip 102. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates that the body ofthe steering grip 102 and the light element 104 can be sized andconfigured such that the body of the steering grip 102 shields the lightelement from ambient light 108. For example, as provided in FIGS. 3B and3C, the light element 104 is shielded from ambient light 108 directed atthe upper portion/top side of the steering grip 102. Because the lightelement 104 is shielded from ambient light 108, a lower intensity lightsignal may be used. In an example implementation, a daylight warningintensity of the light element 104 may be about 150 to about 800 nit. Ina particular implementation, the daylight intensity of the light element104 may be about 150 to about 500 nit. In another implementation, thedaylight intensity of the light element 104 may be about 150 to about250 nit. In another example, the daylight intensity of the light element104 may be at least about 250 nit. In another example, the daylightintensity of the light element 104 may be at least about 150 nit. In afurther example implementation, because there is less ambient light atnighttime and because the light element 104 is shielding from theexisting ambient light 108, the nighttime warning intensity of the lightelement 104 may be at least about 5 to about 50 nit. In another example,the nighttime warning intensity of the light element 104 may be at leastabout 5 to about 25 nit. In another example, the nighttime warningintensity of the light element 104 may be at least about 5 to about 15nit. In another example, the nighttime warning intensity of the lightelement 104 may be at least about 5 to about 10 nit. In another example,the nighttime warning intensity of the light element 104 may be at leastabout 5 nit.

In an example implementation, a lens 110 is configured to cover thelight element 104. The lens 110 may be sized and shaped to correspond tothe size and shape of the light element 104. As illustrated in FIG. 4,the outer surface of the lens 110 may be adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the steering grip 102. For example, the lens 110 may providea surface that is congruent with the exterior surface of the steeringgrip 102. In an alternate implementation (not shown), the lens 110 mayprovide an outer surface that has a different general shape than theprofile defined by the steering grip 102. The outer lens 110 maycomprise a fully or partially transparent, translucent, or opaque body.The outer lens 110 can be constructed from a hard or soft material. Theouter lens 110 can include a surface feature or texture to provide agrip or “feel” to the driver. The outer lens 110 can be constructed froma single layer of material or multiple layers of material. The outerlens 110 may filter, direct, or otherwise modify the properties of thelight signals emitted from the light element 104. In an exampleimplementation, the lens 110 is configured to shield the light element104 from ambient light.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the steering grip 102 also includes a frame112 providing the support structure for the steering grip 102 and acarrier 114 mounted to the frame 112 and configured to engage a PCB 116and/or control circuitry for supporting and controlling operation of thelight element 104. The carrier 114 may be sized and shaped to facilitateattachment to various frame 112, PCB 116, and outer lens 110 structures.The carrier 114 can be mounted to the frame 112 using screws, hooks,clips, or any other form of mechanical fastener known in the art. Acarrier 114 may be joined with the frame 112 using a thermallyconductive “gap pad” or other thermally conductive adhesive. The frame112 may also define the support structure for central hub and spokes ofthe steering grip 102. In an alternate implementation (not shown), thecarrier 114 is not required and the PCB 116 and/or control circuitry iscoupled to the frame 112 of the steering grip 102. As illustrated inFIG. 4, a steering grip 102 includes a covering 118 configured to coverthe exterior of the steering grip 102 body and provide a surface for thedriver to handle during operation of the vehicle. In an exampleimplementation, the covering 118 may also, partially or fully, cover thelens 110 without severely impacting light transmission to the driver. Itis contemplated, that, when covering the lens 110, the covering 118conceals the lens 110 and light element 104 when not illuminated.Example covering 118 materials include, for example, leather, cloth,polyurethane foam, and various other synthetic materials.

In an example implementation, to reduce energy consumption and heatgeneration, the light emitted from the light element 104 is filtered andguided to maximize the light signal directed through the outer lens 110.In an example implementation, light emitted from the light element 104is recycled using a solid acrylic lens 128. The lens 128 may betrapezoidal in shape such that light is reflected in the desireddirection (i.e., at the driver). In an example implementation,reflective surfaces of the carrier 114 are painted white to ensure thatlight is reflected in the desired direction and not refracted internalto the system. Fillers and fibers can be added to the outer lens 110and/or the lens 128 to direct light toward the driver and to increasethe brightness of the light output by the outer lens 110. In a furtherimplementation, brightness enhancing films 120 can be used to directlight to the driver. The brightness enhancing films 120 may be usedindividually or multiple films may be stacked together. As illustratedin FIG. 5B, multiple brightness enhancing films 120 may be stackedadjacent to the lens 128. In a further implementation, diffusing films122 and/or textured lens surfaces may be used where high light intensityis not needed. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, diffusing films may be locatedadjacent to the brightness enhancing films 120. In an alternateimplementation, a diffusing film 122 may be located adjacent to the LED116. Light passes through the diffusing films 122 and into thebrightness enhancing films 120. Another diffusing film 122 may belocated adjacent to the brightness enhancing films 120 and the lens 110.By securing a tight coupling between the light element 104 to the outerlens 110, the brightness of the output light is increased. Any order orcombination of brightness enhancing films 120, diffusing films 122, andlenses 118/110 are contemplated. In an example implementation, thebrightness enhancing films 120 and diffusing films 122 may be stackedand oriented in such a way that the ambient light entering the lens 110cannot pass through the lens 110. Blocking the ambient light allows thelens 110 to have a higher transmission rate while preventing internalcomponents of the light assembly and steering grip 102 from being seenby the driver on from the outside.

The light element 104 can be associated with circuitry for controllingoperation of the light signal provided by the light element 104. In anexample implementation, the light element 104 may be wired directly tocontrol circuitry of the steering apparatus 100. For example, the lightelement 104 may include a T-type LED that can be wired through an inlineresistor to a steering apparatus 100 power source. In an alternateimplementation, the light element 104 can be associated with a PCB (notshown) or processor mounted to or associated with the electronic controlunit of the vehicle. The PCB/processor can be configured to provideoperation instructions from the vehicle to the light element 104. In afurther implementation, the light element 104 may be associated with aPCB 116 configured to provide operation instructions to the lightelement 104. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the light element104 can by physically mounted to the surface of the PCB 116. The PCB 116can include, for example, rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible-type PCBs 116.An example PCB 116 can include a flex circuit wherein the LEDs 116 aremounted to backing material that acts as a heat sink. The backingmaterial can include, for example, an aluminum flex backing. Other typesand combinations of PCBs are contemplates.

In an example implementation, the PCB 116 can be mounted to the steeringgrip 102. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the PCB 116 and/orcontrol circuitry is mounted to the frame 112 of the steering grip 102via carrier 114. In an alternate implementation (not shown), the PCB 116and/control circuitry is mounted directly to the frame 112 of thesteering grip 102. The board material of a PCB 116 may be constructed ofFR-4 (G-10) glass reinforced epoxy laminate. Because FR-4 has a poorthermal conductivity (approximately 0.003 W/cm·C°), and because theframe 112 may be constructed of materials having high thermalconductivity including, for example, magnesium alloy (diecast) (1.575W/cm·C°), aluminum alloy (diecast) (2.165 W/cm·C°), and steel (lowcarbon) (0.669 W/cm·C°), it is desirable to thermally couple the PCB 116to the frame 112 in order to dissipate heat way from the light elements104. In an example implementation, the PCB 116 can be thermally coupledto a heat exchange component associated with the steering grip 102. Theheat exchange component can be configured to transfer heat from the PCB116 to the steering grip 102. The heat exchange component may comprise,for example, a thermally conductive resin, an epoxy, a polymer, asilicone, an adhesive, a thermal pad, and/or a metal. In an exampleimplementation, the steering grip 102 may be coupled to the central huband spokes such that heat from the light element 104 can be transferredfrom the steering grip 102 to the spokes and central hub of the steeringgrip 102.

In a high intensity environment (e.g., 5 nit or greater), in order toensure driver comfort in handling the steering grip 102 and to prolonglife of the light element 104 (in hours of illumination), the heatexchange component dissipates heat from the light elements 104 at a ratesufficient to ensure that the surface temperature of the steering grip102 does not exceed, approximately, 45° C. In an alternateimplementation where only low intensity light elements 104 are used, thesteering apparatus 100 may not include a heat exchange component. Forexample, in a system where the light element 104 generate a light at anintensity up to only 5 nit, the heat output by the light elements 104will be not necessitate the use of a heat exchange component fordissipating heat from the light source 104.

In an example implementation, the steering apparatus 100 can include asingle PCB 116 or multiple PCBs 116 located along the steering grip 102.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the steering grip 102 mayinclude a single PCB 116 spanning the entire perimeter of the steeringgrip 102 thereby providing a 360° illumination system. In an alternateimplementation illustrated in FIG. 6B, the steering grip 102 may includea single PCB 116 along the upper half of the perimeter defined by thesteering grip 102. In a further implementations illustrated in FIGS.6C-D, the steering grip 102 may include multiple PCBs 116. Because thesteering apparatus 100, and in particular, the steering grip 102, isconstructed to withstand substantial loading in the event of a crash, asteering grip 102 including multiple PCBs can provide for lesslikelihood that a PCB 116 will break upon impact and/or airbagdeployment. Moreover, by locating multiple PCBs 116 along the diameterof the steering grip 102, and in particular along the upper half of thesteering grip rim 102, helps to reduce the probability that a PCB 116will break under a load at the 12 o'clock position on the rim of thesteering wheel grip 102. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the steering grip102 may include multiple PCBs 116, including, for example, PCB 116A maybe located on a right portion of the steering grip 102 diameter and PCB116B may be located on a left portion of the steering grip diameter. Inanother implementation illustrated in FIG. 6D, the steering grip 102 mayinclude three PCBs 116. PCB 116A may be located on a right portion ofthe steering grip 102, PCB 116B on a left portion of the steering grip,and PCB 116C on a top center portion of the steering grip 102, betweenPCBs 116A and 116B. In a further implementation, not shown, the steeringgrip 102 may include a PCB 116 located on a lower portion of thesteering grip 102. Any number of locations and quantities of PCB 116 areconsidered within the disclosed implementation.

In an example implementation, the PCB 116 includes a single zone ormultiple zones for directing operation of the light element 104. Forexample, in an example implementation, the PCB 116 may include one zonefor controlling operation of the light element 104. The PCB 116 maycontrol the light element 104 based on instructions provided to thecorresponding zone of the PCB 116. The light element 104 may include asingle light source, such as one LED, or it may include multiple lightsources, i.e., multiple LEDs. In an example implementation, the PCB 116can provide separate instructions to each of the individual LEDs withinthe same zone.

In an alternate implementation, the PCB 116 can include multiple zones,for example, two or more zones, each associated with a different lightelement 104 or group of light elements 104. Each zone can be configuredto provide separate operating instructions to their respective lightelements 104. In an example implementation, the LEDs may be arrangedinto groups and each group of LEDs assigned a zone on the PCB 116. Forexample, the PCB 116 may include 36 LED-style light elements 104. ThePCB 116 may be divided into four zones, each zone associated with 9LEDs. The PCB 116 can control operation of the LEDs in each of the fourzones separately based on the instructions provided by the respectivezones.

In an alternate implementation, the PCB 116 can include a number ofzones corresponding to the number of light elements 104 present on thePCB 116, where each zone provides operation instructions to itscorresponding light individual element 104. For example, a PCB 116 mayinclude 36 LED-style light elements 104 and 36 zones corresponding toeach of the 36 LEDs. The PCB can individually control operation of eachof the 36 LEDs based on instructions provided to each of thecorresponding 36 zones.

In an example implementation, the steering apparatus 100 may include aprocessor connected in communication with the PCB 116. The processor maybe configured to direct operation of the light element 104. Theprocessor can be associated with the steering apparatus 100. In anexample implementation, the processor may be located on or proximate thePCB 116 of the steering grip 102. In an alternative implementation, theprocessor may be located on or otherwise associated with the electroniccontrol unit of the vehicle. In a further implementation, the processormay be located on or otherwise associated with another vehicle system.Where the processor is associated with a system other than the steeringapparatus 100 and/or the steering grip 102, communication lines (i.e.,data and/or power wires) may be provided from the alternate system tothe light element 104. For example, the light element 104 and/or the PCB116 may be connected to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) by awire run from the ECU unit to the light element 104/PCB 116. In afurther example, particular zones on the PCB 116 may communicate with aprocessor associated with a system other than the steering apparatus 100and/or the steering grip 102, and communication lines (i.e., data and/orpower wires) may be provided from the alternate system to the zoned PCB116.

In an example implementation, the light element 104, PCB 116, and theprocessor are connected in communication with the vehicle by two wireswhere the first wire may provide a power source to the light element104, PCB 116, and the processor and the second wire provides a dataconnection between the steering apparatus 100 and the vehicle. In afurther example, the light element 104, PCB 116, and the processor maybe connected in communication with the vehicle by two wires, oneincluding multiple communication lines and the second wire includingpower source. For example, where the PCB 116 includes 6 zones, the firstwire may include 6 communication lines for directing the operation ofthe corresponding zones, and the second wire may be a power source forproviding power to the PCB 116. The light element 104, PCB 116, and theprocessor may, alternatively, be in communication with the vehicle atonly a power source.

In an example implementation, the processor may be configured to receiveinformation from the vehicle. Information received from the vehicle mayinclude, for example, GPS (global positioning system) information,navigation information, foreign object proximity information, vehicleperformance information, general warning information, courseinformation, positioning information available from on-board sensor,such as cameras, radar, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) systems,vehicle communication system information, and any other informationrelevant to the operation of the vehicle, the status of the user, and/orthe functioning of the steering apparatus 100.

Navigation information may include, for example, a preparation forcourse change (e.g., lane recommendation in anticipation of pendingcourse change), a navigation course change (e.g., instructions forfollowing determined route and/or notification that the determined routehas been recalculated), and a distance to course change (e.g., distanceto turn). Foreign object proximity information may include, for example,the distance and direction to an identified foreign object, the size ofa foreign object, and the relative speed and direction of the foreignobject. Vehicle performance information may include, for example, on/offoperation of the vehicle, battery life/status, fuel level, fuelefficiency, engine RPM, vehicle oversteer, vehicle understeer,turbocharger/supercharger boost pressure, an electrical vehicle (eV)status, stop and go vehicle mode, steering grip 102 straight-aheadposition, vehicle lateral acceleration, autonomous vehicle driving stateinformation, and adaptive cruise control state information. Generalvehicle warning information may include, for example, occupant restraintinformation, airbag status information, door or window open/ajar, lowtire pressure, vehicle entertainment and communication system status(e.g., incoming call, Bluetooth activated, audio volume, etc.). Courseinformation may include, for example, a measure of a course remaining(e.g., a racing lap time countdown as a binary clock, lap segments, timesegments, etc.) and a measure of the course remaining/completed (e.g.,quantity of racing laps).

Operation of the light element 104 may be directed in response toinformation received from the steering apparatus 100 and/or informationreceived from the vehicle. The light element 104 may be used to provideinformation and warning signals to the driver of the vehicle. In afurther implementation, the light element 104 may be used to provide anaesthetically pleasing/decorative effect. For example, the light element104 may be used at vehicle start up to provide a decorative effect inaddition to providing an indication to the driver of the vehicle'soperation status.

Directing illumination of the light element 104 may include, forexample, the on/off state of the light element 104, intensity,design/pattern, on/off illumination cycle, color, or any other featureof the light element that can be controlled or otherwise manipulated. Inan example implementation, the on/off status of the light element 104can be controlled. For example, in an implementation including multiplelight elements 104, the quantity of light elements 104 illuminated at agiven time can be used to indicate the magnitude and/or scale of thewarning or event, the greater the number illuminated the greater thethreat and/or importance of the warning/event. Similar to quantity, theintensity of the light elements 104 can be used to indicate themagnitude and/or scale of the warning or event, the greater the lightintensity the greater the threat and/or importance of the warning/event.The on/off illumination cycle or frequency of illumination of the lightelement 104 can also be controlled to create a flashing or strobe-likeeffect. For example, a high frequency on/off illumination cycle may beused to indicate an important and/or time sensitive event to the driversuch as an impact or collision warning. In a further example, when thelight element 104 comprises an IR illuminator, a strobed/flashing lightsignal may be used to illuminate the driver's eyes for use incamera-based driver monitoring systems. The operation of the IRilluminator-type light element 104 may be timed in communication with acamera, or other sensing device, and a processor to capture an image ofthe driver's eyes. Moreover, the use of IR LEDs can be used to mitigatelight reflection when the driver is wearing eye glasses.

The selection of a light element 104 for illumination at a certainposition can also be used to indicate the relative position of thewarning or event. For example, if an impact or collision warning isanticipated at the front driver's side section of the car, the lightelement 104 at a corresponding position on the steering grip 102 (i.e.,upper left quadrant) may be illuminated. Similarly, the on/offillumination cycle may be used to create a motion effect. The perceiveddirection of the light pattern can be used to indicate the relativedirection of warning. For example, an on/off illumination patternstarting from the center of the steering grip 102 and progressing towardthe left side of the grip 102 may create an illuminated wave-like effecttoward the left that can be used to indicate a warning/event associatedwith the left side of the vehicle or an indication to the driver of apending course change in a navigational setting.

In a steering apparatus 100, a pattern of illumination of the lightelement 104 can also be controlled. For example, in an implementationincluding multiple light elements 104, the light elements 104 may besized and located such that a shape or pattern may be created byilluminating particular light elements 104. In an exampleimplementation, the color of the light element 104 can also becontrolled. The color of the light element may be used to indicate theseverity or a threat level associated with a particular event. Forexample, colors such as red, yellow, and green can be used to indicatethe escalating severity/threat associated with a particular event, redindicating severe, yellow a moderately severe/warning, and green littleor no threat. For example, if the vehicle senses an impact or collisionwarning or if the vehicle is traveling faster than allowable speedlimit, the color of the light elements 104 may progress from green toyellow to red as the severity of the warning/event escalates. In analternate implementation, controlling the color of the light element 104may be used to indicate a vehicle status or provide general driverindications. For example, colors such as blue or white may be used toindicate general vehicle status and driver indication.

The following illumination combinations are provided as examples andshould not be considered limiting on the disclosed invention. Additionaland alternative light element 104 locations and configurations arecontemplated. Various combinations of light element 104 operation may beutilized to indicate the relative position and/or threat levelsassociated with a particular warning/event, as well as provide generalstatus information to the driver.

In an example implementation, operation of the light element 104 may bedirected in response to information received from the vehicle and/orinformation received from the steering apparatus 100. Informationreceived from the vehicle can include, for example, GPS information,on-board sensor information, camera information, communication systeminformation, and lane position information. The operation of the lightelement 104 may be directed to provide the driver with a lane departurewarning. A lane departure warning indication wherein the light positionindicates the direction of the threat event is illustrated in FIG. 7.When the vehicle is in a straight ahead orientation, the illuminatedlight element 104 may be centered on the steering grip 102 (Position 1).In response to the received information, as the vehicle moves to theleft side of the lane of travel, the light elements 104 on the left sideof the steering grip 102 are illuminated (Position 2). As the vehiclemoves progressively further toward the left side of the lane of travel,light elements 104 further along the left side of the steering grip 102are illuminated (Position 3 and Position 4). Alternatively, as thevehicle moves to the right side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 on right side of the steering grip are illuminated(Position 2). As the vehicle moves progressively further toward theright side of the lane of travel, the light elements 104 further alongthe right side of the steering grip are illuminated (Position 3 andPosition 4). In an example implementation, the time to lane cross may beused to determine the threat level associated with the vehiclesdirection of travel.

As outlined above, both the quantity and position of lights may be usedto indicate the relative position and/or threat level associated withthe warning/event. A lane departure warning indication wherein thequantity and position of illuminated light elements 104 are used toindicate the relative position and/or threat level of the warning orevent is provided in FIG. 8. When the vehicle is in a straight aheadorientation, the illuminated light element 104 may be centered on thesteering grip 102 (Position 1). In response to information received fromthe vehicle (e.g., GPS information, on-board sensor information, camerainformation, communication system information, and lane positioninformation), as the vehicle moves to the left side of the lane oftravel, additional light elements 104 on the left side of the steeringgrip 102 are illuminated (Position 2). As the vehicle movesprogressively further toward the left side of the lane of travel,additional light elements 104 further along the left side of thesteering grip 102 are illuminated (Position 3 and Position 4).Alternatively, as the vehicle moves to the right side of the lane oftravel, additional light elements 104 on right side of the steering gripare illuminated (Position 2). As the vehicle moves progressively furthertoward the right side of the lane of travel, additional light elements104 further along the right side of the steering grip are illuminated(Position 3 and Position 4). In an example implementation, the time tolane cross may be used to determine the threat level associated with thevehicles direction of travel and the rate and quantity of theillumination of the additional light elements 104 are illuminated.

As outlined above, the color of the illuminated light elements may beused to indicate the relative position and threat level associated withthe warning/event. A lane departure warning indication wherein the colorand position of the illuminated light elements 104 are used to indicatethe relative position and/or threat level of the warning or event isprovided in FIG. 9. When the vehicle is in a straight ahead orientation,the illuminated light element 104 may be centered on the steering grip102. The illuminated light element may be provided in a color thatindicates no threat/warning associated with the given lane position. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the illuminated light element may be green whenthe steering grip 102 is a centered/straight ahead position (Position1). In response to information received from the vehicle (e.g., GPSinformation, on-board sensor information, camera information,communication system information, and lane position information), as thevehicle moves to the left or right side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 on the left side of the steering grip 102 or the lightelements 104 on the right side of the steering grip 102 are illuminated.An initial indication of lane departure may be provided by greenilluminated light elements 104 (Position 2). As the vehicle movesprogressively further toward the left or right side of the lane oftravel, light elements 104 further along the left/right side of thesteering grip 102 are illuminated. These light elements may indicate amoderate threat/warning and may be provided, for example, by yellowilluminated light elements 104 (Position 3). As the vehicle movesprogressively further toward the left or right side of the lane oftravel, the light elements 104 further along the left/right side of thesteering grip 102 are illuminated. These light elements may indicate asevere and/or immediate threat and may be provided, for example, by redilluminated light elements 104 (Position 4). In an exampleimplementation, the time to lane cross may be used to determine thethreat level associated with the vehicles direction of travel.

In a further implementation, the vertical element 106 can include beused to indicate the relative position and threat level associated witha particular warning/event. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the verticalelement 106 may include a plurality of light elements 104. When thevehicle is in a straight ahead orientation, the light elements 104centered in the vertical element 106 may be illuminated (Position 1).Because the relative threat/warning level in the straight ahead positionis minimal, the illuminated light element 104 in Position 1 may begreen. In response to information received from the vehicle (e.g., GPSinformation, on-board sensor information, camera information,communication system information, and lane position information), as thevehicle moves to the left or right side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 on the left or right side, respectively, of the verticalelement 106 are illuminated. For example, an initial indication that thevehicle is tending toward the left side of the lane of travel may beprovided by illumination of the light elements 104 on the left side ofthe vertical element (Position 2). These light elements 104 may indicatea moderate threat/warning and may be provided, for example, by yellowilluminated light elements 104. As the vehicle moves progressivelyfurther toward the left or right side of the lane of travel, the lightelements 104 may change colors from yellow to red, indicating that thethreat level associated with the lane departure has escalated frommoderate to severe and/or immediate.

In an example implementation, the vertical element 106 can be used toindicate the relative position and/or threat level associated animpact/collision warning. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the verticalelement 106 may include a plurality of light elements 104. The operationof the light elements 104 may be directed in response to foreign objectproximity information received from the vehicle. Illumination of thelight elements 104 may indicate the presence of a foreign object withina predetermined distance of the vehicle and/or a distance to the foreignobject. In response to the object data, the light elements 104 locatedon the steering grip 102 illuminate. For example, as the object isapproaching the light elements 104 may illuminate in a wave patternsuggesting the direction of the object and/or the proximity of theobject to the vehicle. As a further example, the light elements 104 mayilluminate in an illumination pattern, at a greater on/off frequency, ata particular quantity of light elements 104, with greater intensity,and/or varying colors as the direction and/or the proximity of theobject to the vehicle change.

In an example implementation, the vertical light element 106 can be usedin conjunction with the light elements 104 position on the side of thesteering grip 102. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the lightelements 104 can be used to guide the driver in operation of thevehicle. A steering apparatus 100 can be used guide a driver into aparking space. In the example implementation, the light elements 104 canbe used to direct the driver to aim the vehicle in a particular manner.Operation of the light elements 104 can include, for example, on/offillumination, illumination pattern, on/off cycling, intensity, andcolor. It is contemplated that operation of the light elements 104 ofthe vertical element 106 may be independent from the operation of thelight elements 104 included along the diameter of the steering grip 102.For example, the light elements 104 of the vertical element 106 may beused to indicate proximity to a foreign object (e.g., parked car) whilethe light elements 104 included along the diameter of the steering grip102 as used to provide directional and navigation information to theuser. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the light elements 104 included alongthe diameter of the steering grip 102 can illuminate at a location andfrequency to suggest the direction of travel of the vehicle. In analternate implementation, the operation of the light elements 104 of thevertical element 106 may be in cooperation with the light elements 104included along the diameter of the steering grip 102. For example, boththe vertical and radial light elements 104 may be used to providenavigation information to suggest the direction of travel of thevehicle.

In a further implementation, the vertical and/or radial light elements104 may be used to indicate a difference between the posted speed limitand the actual speed of the vehicle. For example, the steering apparatus100 may receive information including GPS information and vehicleperformance information. The GPS information may include informationassociated with a posted speed limit at the vehicle's current location.The vehicle performance information may include information associatedwith the actual speed of the vehicle. The vehicle and/or the steeringapparatus 100 can determine that the vehicle is exceeding the postedspeed limit and the operation of the light elements 104 may be directedto indicate a threat/warning associated with speed of the vehicle.

In an example implementation, the steering apparatus may include asensor (not shown) located on the steering grip 102. The sensor maydetect the driver input and/or touch on the steering grip. Examples ofsensors include, for example, capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, andconductivity/resistivity sensors. The sensor may be in communicationwith the PCB 116 and/or the processor. In an further implementation, thedriver's input may be transmitted to the electronic control unit of thevehicle. In an example implementation, the steering apparatus 100 may beconfigured to receive autonomous driving state information and/oradaptive cruise control information from the vehicle. The autonomousdriving state information may indicate that the vehicle is operatingautonomously and not under human control. The adaptive cruise controlinformation may include whether the adaptive cruise control feature isengaged. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance between thecar immediately in front of the driver's vehicle and/or stops thevehicle completely when an emergency situation is identified. In someautonomous driving state and the adaptive cruise control settings, somevehicles direct acceleration/braking of the vehicle in addition tocontrolling steering (e.g., to keep the vehicle within the lane whenbraking). For the lane keeping feature of the adaptive cruise control itis essential that the driver be holding the steering grip 103 or thebraking feature will not engage. Similarly, in some situations theautonomous driving state of the vehicle may disengage (e.g., stop and gotraffic), in these situations it is also essential that the driverholding the steering grip 103. Therefore, using on the receivedinformation about the state of the vehicle and/or sensor informationconfirming the driver's input/contact with the steering apparatus 100,operation of the light element 104 may be directed to indicate that thevehicle is not operating under human control or that human operation ofthe vehicle is necessary and the driver is required to engage thesteering grip 102.

In an alternative implementation (not shown), the steering apparatus 100also includes an acoustic display and/or a haptic display devices thatwork exclusively from or in conjunction with the light element 104. Thehaptic displays can include, for example, vibrators arranged on thesteering grip 102/steering apparatus 100 such that vibration of thesteering grip 102 is felt by the driver in every grip position. Thesteering apparatus 100 may be configured to direct operation of thevibrator in response to information received from the vehicle,information received from the steering grip 102, and/or inputinformation received from the driver at the steering grip 102. Operationof the vibrator can include, for example manipulating the frequency andintensity the produced vibration.

It should be appreciated that the logical operations described hereinwith respect to the various figures may be implemented (1) as a sequenceof computer implemented acts or program modules (i.e., software) runningon a computing device, (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits orcircuit modules (i.e., hardware) within the computing device and/or (3)a combination of software and hardware of the computing device. Thus,the logical operations discussed herein are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware and software. The implementation is a matter ofchoice dependent on the performance and other requirements of thecomputing device. Accordingly, the logical operations described hereinare referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts, ormodules. These operations, structural devices, acts and modules may beimplemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic,and any combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more orfewer operations may be performed than shown in the figures anddescribed herein. These operations may also be performed in a differentorder than those described herein.

When the logical operations described herein are implemented insoftware, the process may execute on any type of computing architectureor platform. For example, the functions of the PCB, processor, controlcircuitry, and vehicle electronics control unit, as described above, maybe implemented on any type of computing architecture or platform. Anexample implementation illustrated in FIG. 13 provides an examplecomputing device upon which embodiments of the invention may beimplemented. The computing device 1300 may include a bus or othercommunication mechanism for communicating information among variouscomponents of the computing device 1300. In its most basicconfiguration, computing device 1300 typically includes at least oneprocessing unit 1306 and system memory 1304. Depending on the exactconfiguration and type of computing device, system memory 1304 may bevolatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such asread-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of thetwo. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 13 by dashedline 1302. The processing unit 1306 may be a standard programmableprocessor that performs arithmetic and logic operations necessary foroperation of the computing device 1300.

Computing device 1300 may have additional features/functionality. Forexample, computing device 1300 may include additional storage such asremovable storage 1308 and non-removable storage 1310 including, but notlimited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 1300may also contain network connection(s) 1316 that allow the device tocommunicate with other devices. Computing device 1300 may also haveinput device(s) 1314 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc.Output device(s) 1312 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. mayalso be included. The additional devices may be connected to the bus inorder to facilitate communication of data among the components of thecomputing device 1300. All these devices are well known in the art andneed not be discussed at length here.

The processing unit 1306 may be configured to execute program codeencoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Computer-readable mediarefers to any media that is capable of providing data that causes thecomputing device 1300 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particularfashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provideinstructions to the processing unit 1306 for execution. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, magnetic media, opticalmedia, physical media, memory chips or cartridges, a carrier wave, orany other medium from which a computer can read. Examplecomputer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, volatilemedia, non-volatile media and transmission media. Volatile andnon-volatile media may be implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other data and common forms are discussedin detail below. Transmission media may include coaxial cables, copperwires and/or fiber optic cables, as well as acoustic or light waves,such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red datacommunication. Example tangible, computer-readable recording mediainclude, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g.,field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape,a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM,electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices.

In an example implementation, the processing unit 1306 may executeprogram code stored in the system memory 1304. For example, the bus maycarry data to the system memory 1304, from which the processing unit1306 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the systemmemory 1304 may optionally be stored on the removable storage 1308 orthe non-removable storage 1310 before or after execution by theprocessing unit 1306.

Computing device 1300 typically includes a variety of computer-readablemedia. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by device 1300 and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. Computer storage media includevolatile and non-volatile, and removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. System memory 1304, removable storage 1308, andnon-removable storage 510 are all examples of computer storage media.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM,electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bycomputing device 1300. Any such computer storage media may be part ofcomputing device 1300.

It should be understood that the various techniques described herein maybe implemented in connection with hardware or software or, whereappropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus, the methods andapparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certainaspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e.,instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes,CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage mediumwherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine,such as a computing device, the machine becomes an apparatus forpracticing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case ofprogram code execution on programmable computers, the computing devicegenerally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by theprocessor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described inconnection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., throughthe use of an application programming interface (API), reusablecontrols, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high levelprocedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with acomputer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assemblyor machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be acompiled or interpreted language and it may be combined with hardwareimplementations.

FIG. 14 provides schematic illustration of a computer architecture uponwhich the invention may be implemented. The computing device 1400 mayinclude a processing unit 1406 and a memory 1404. The memory 1404 mayinclude various registers. Registers may include an LED enable register,an LED location register, and LED color register, and an LED intensityregister. The computing device 1400 may include a light element driverfor providing illumination instructions to the light element 104.

The computing device 1400 may include a bus 1402 or other communicationmechanism for communicating information among various components of thecomputing device 1400. In an example implementation, the bus 1402 mayprovide a communication link between the computing device 1400 and thevehicle. In an alternate implementation, the bus 1402 may provide acommunication link between the computing device 1400 and various vehiclecomponents. Information transmitted by the bus 1402 may include, forexample, lane departure warning signal information, GPS signalinformation, general warning signal information, and vehicle performanceindication signal information.

An example implementation may include a clock spring 1408 associatedwith the processing unit 1406 and the communication bus 1402. The clockspring 1408 may provide an electrical connection/communication linkbetween the processing unit 1406 and other vehicular systems via the bus1402 when the processing unit 1406 is disposed on the rotatable portionof the steering grip 102/steering apparatus 100. A clock spring 1408includes a rotary-type electrical connection that permits rotation ofthe steering grip 102 while maintaining an electrical connection withthe bus 1402. For example, the clock spring 1408 may include a staticelement, generally mounted to the steering column, and a rotatingelement, generally mounted to the steering grip 102.

The implementations shown in FIGS. 15-27 include a shaped light barwarning system 204 as the light element. The shaped light bar warningsystem 204 is disposed on the arcuate shaped rim portion of a steeringgrip 102 of steering apparatus 100 in a vehicle. For example, FIG. 15illustrates the shaped light bar warning system 204 disposed in theupper, central portion of the rim portion of the steering grip 102 ofthe vehicle. The warning system 204 is configured to communicate to theoperator of the vehicle one or more of the following conditions: whetherthere is an object in a blind spot area adjacent the vehicle, whetherthe vehicle is approaching an object in front of the vehicle tooquickly, whether the operator should turn the vehicle toward the rightor left, and/or whether the vehicle is drifting outside of its lane. Inother implementations, the warning system 204 may be configured forcommunicating other information to the vehicle operator, such as isdescribed above in relation to FIGS. 1 through 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the shaped light bar warningsystem 204 according to one implementation. The warning system 204includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 206, a light guide 208, and atleast one light emitting diodes (LED) 210. The LCD 206 includes an outersurface 212, an inner surface 214, a first end 216, and a second end218. The outer surface 212 and inner surface 214 extend between the ends216, 218, are arcuate-shaped, and are spaced apart from and oppositeeach other relative to a plane that extends through the ends 216, 218and is parallel to the outer 214 and inner surfaces 216.

In one implementation, the LCD 206 is an improved black nematic (IBN)display that includes a plurality of electrical traces that define theportions (or segments) of the display that may be selectivelyilluminated to communicate to the vehicle operator. For the IBN displayshown in FIG. 16, the glass is normally black, but when the traces areturned on (receive a current), the portion of the glass adjacent thetraces becomes transparent allowing light to pass through the portionand out of the outer surface 214. In other implementations (not shown),the LCD 206 can be any type of LCD suitable for communicating to theoperator.

In addition, the IBN display 206 shown in FIG. 16 includes achip-on-glass configuration, wherein an LCD driver that provides currentto the traces is disposed on the LCD glass. Processor 1406 communicatesto the LCD driver is disposed adjacent the LCD glass and is inelectrical communication with the LCD driver via a flexible, wire tape209 that is coupled between the LCD driver and the processor, such asprocessor 1406 described above in relation to FIGS. 13 and 14. In otherimplementations, the processor may be a separate processor fromprocessor 1406. In addition, the processor may be disposed on thewarning system 204, such as shown in FIG. 20 and described below, or onanother part of the rotatable portion of the steering wheel 102. Theprocessor that controls the LCD driver may also control operation of theLEDs 210, or a separate processor may be provided to control the LCDdriver and the LEDs 210, according to various implementations. Inaddition, in some implementations, the LEDs 210 are turned off when theLCD 206 is turned off.

The LCD 206 shown in FIGS. 15-20 includes three warning areas. The threewarning areas include blind spot warning areas 219 a, 219 b adjacenteach end 216, 218 of the LCD 206, a lane departure warning area 221adjacent a central portion of the LCD 206, and forwardcollision/proximity warning areas 223 a, 223 b between the lanedeparture warning area 221 and the blind spot warning areas 219 a, 219b. However, in alternative implementations, the LCD may be configured toprovide other types of warnings to the vehicle operator or otherpassengers in the vehicle.

Each blind spot warning area 219 a, 219 b includes a vertically orientedbar adjacent each end 216, 218 and an arrow inward of the verticallyoriented bar that points toward the bar. The blind spot warning area 219a is illuminated in response to receiving information that there are oneor more objects within a certain distance range on the left side of thevehicle, and the blind spot warning area 219 b is illuminated inresponse to receiving information that there are one or more objectswithin a certain distance range on the right side of the vehicle. Thewarning areas 219 a, 219 b may be illuminated anytime there is an objectwithin the distance range on the respective side of the vehicle, or onlywhen the vehicle is moving toward the objects without the respectiveblinker on, according to certain implementations. Furthermore, the blindspot warning areas 219 a, 219 b may be illuminated in one or morecolors, such as white, green, yellow, and/or red. And, in certainimplementations, the blind spot warning areas 219 a, 219 b may appear toflash on and off to further attract the operator's attention.

The lane departure warning area 221 includes two trapezoidal shapedareas that narrow in width toward a top of the area 221. Two arrows aredisposed on either side of the trapezoidal shaped areas and pointinwardly toward the trapezoidal shaped areas and each other. In responseto receiving information that the vehicle is drifting out of its lanetoward the left, the trapezoidal shaped areas and the left arrow areilluminated. Similarly, in response to receiving information that thevehicle is drifting out of its lane toward the right, the trapezoidalshaped areas and the right arrow are illuminated. The processorcontrolling the illumination may illuminate the lane departure warningarea 221 when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane but the blinker isnot on, according to one implementation.

The forward collision warning/proximity warning areas 223 a, 223 b eachinclude a set of three, arcuate shaped bars that are vertically arrangedrelative to each other. The lengths of the bars are staggered such thatthe bar closest to the hub of the steering wheel 102 is shortest, andthe length of the bar furthest from the hub is longest. As the vehicleapproaches an object in front of the vehicle, for example, both sets ofbars begin to illuminate in order from the shortest bar to the longestbar. As another example, the processor controlling the illumination ofthe bars may illuminate one of the sets of bars as the vehicleapproaches a turn that corresponds to the side of the set of bars,illuminating the bars in order from the shortest to the longest as thevehicle gets closer to the turn. For example, the right set of bars maybe illuminated as the vehicle approaches a right turn. As anotherexample, the bars may flash when the vehicle gets within a certaindistance of a turn or an object in front of the vehicle that poses acollision risk. Furthermore, the bars may be illuminated in one or morecolors to communicate with the operator. For example, the bars may beilluminated white or green to communicate an upcoming turn.Alternatively, the lowest bars may be illuminated yellow when a forwardcollision risk is initially detected, and the uppermost bars may beilluminated red when the forward collision risk is within a certaindistance range of the vehicle.

In other implementations (not shown), the warning areas described abovemay be displayed on another type of arcuate shaped display, such as anarcuate shaped OLED display.

The light guide 208, which is shown more clearly in FIG. 19, includes anouter surface 220, an inner surface 222, a first end 224, and a secondend 226. The outer surface 220 and inner surface 222 extend between theends 224, 226, are arcuate-shaped, and are spaced apart from andopposite each other relative to a plane that extends through the ends224, 226 and is parallel to the outer 220 and inner surfaces 222. Theouter surface 220 of the light guide 208 is disposed adjacent the innersurface 214 of the LCD 206, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The light guide208 is configured for transmitting light through at least a portion ofits outer surface 220 toward the inner surface 214 of the LCD 206 toilluminate the selected portions of the LCD 206. In the implementationshown in FIGS. 16-20, the light guide 208 is configured for transmittinglight through the entire outer surface 220 of the light guide 208.Example materials that may be used for the light guide 208 includepolycarbonate, polycarbonate blends, acrylic, nylon, or other suitablematerials.

The outer surface 220 of the light guide 208 may define a plurality ofmicro-lenses configured for guiding light exiting the outer surface 220of the light guide 208 to exit at an angle of about 90° from the outersurface 220. For example, the micro-lenses may include a plurality ofV-shaped notches defined in the outer surface 220, a plurality ofembossed or debossed radial notches defined in the outer surface 220, ora combination thereof. A portion of the outer surface 220 of light guide208 with V-shaped notches 232 defined thereon is shown in FIG. 25. Inother implementations, such as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31C, the innersurface of the light guide may define the micro-lenses. Thesemicro-lenses may be in addition to or as an alternative to themicro-lenses on the outer surface 220. In addition, in someimplementations, a light diffusing film may be disposed on the outersurface 220 of the light guide 208 to prevent the micro-lenses frombeing visible to a vehicle operator.

The LEDs 210 are disposed adjacent the first end 224 of the light guide208 and emit light into the first end 224 of the light guide 208. Forexample, the LEDs 210 may be top-firing LEDs that are disposed on asurface 230 of PCB 228, such as is shown in FIG. 19. The surface 230 ofthe PCB 228 on which the LEDs 210 are disposed is arranged at an angleof about 90° to the inner 222 and outer surfaces 220 of the light guide208. However in other implementations, the LEDs may be side firing andmay be arranged at an alternative, suitable angle relative to the inner222 and outer surfaces 220 of the light guide 208.

The PCB 228 shown in FIG. 19 defines a recessed portion 233. Therecessed portion 233 may be configured to fit adjacent the frame 112 ofthe steering wheel 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the recessedportion 233 is arcuate shaped to fit around a portion of the frame 112.In other implementations (not shown), the recessed portion 233 may beconfigured to follow the profile of the frame 112. In otherimplementations (not shown), the PCB 228 may be configured to couple tothe frame 112 or an intermediate structure using other suitablefastening mechanisms.

The warning system 204 may also include a tray 234 that defines achannel. At least a portion of the channel may have a reflectivesurface. In particular, the channel defined by the tray 234 may includea floor 238 and side walls 240 a, 240 b. The floor 238 is arcuateshaped, and the side walls 240 a, 240 b extend perpendicularly from eacharcuate shaped side of the floor 238. The inner surface 222 of the lightguide 208 is disposed on the floor 238 between the side walls 240 a, 240b, and the inner surface 214 of the LCD 206 is disposed on the outersurface 220 of the light guide 208 between the side walls 240 a, 240 b.The reflective surface is configured for reflecting light into the lightguide 208. For example, the reflective surface may reflect light thathas escaped the light guide 208 back into the light guide 208. Thereflective surface can be a film, coating, paint, or other suitablematerial applied to the channel of the tray 234, or the reflectivesurface may be integrally formed with the tray 234. In addition, thereflective surface may have a metallic color, a glossy finish, atextured finish, or some other suitable color or finish that iscosmetically appealing when the light source is turned off. In someimplementations, the tray 234 may also include a third side wall at adistal end 240 c of the tray 234 that extends from the floor 238 at anangle of about 90°, such as is shown in FIG. 19. Example materials thatmay be used for the tray 234 include polycarbonate-acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (PC-ABS), nylon, polycarbonate,acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile-polycarbonate (ASA-PC), polypropylene(PP), or other suitable materials.

The warning system 204 may also include a frame coupling member 242 thatis configured for coupling the tray 234 to the frame 112 of the steeringwheel 102. The frame coupling member 242 includes inner 246 and outersurface 248 that extend between a first end 250 and a second end 252 ofthe frame coupling member 242. The inner 246 and outer surfaces 248 arearcuate shaped and are opposite and spaced apart from each otherrelative to a plane that extends between the first 250 and second ends252 and is parallel to the inner 246 and outer surfaces 248. The tray234 is disposed on the outer surface 248 of the frame coupling member242 such that the channel faces away from the frame 112 of the steeringwheel 102, and the inner surface 246 of the frame coupling member 242 isdisposed adjacent and facing the frame 112. The first end 250 includesan attachment leg 254 that extends from the inner surface 246 at anangle of about 90°. The attachment leg 254 defines a recessed portion256 that is configured to receive at least a portion of frame 112. Forexample, the recessed portion 256 may be arcuate shaped, such as isshown in FIG. 19, or the recessed portion 256 may trace the profile ofthe frame 112. In addition, the attachment leg 254 may define one ormore bosses 258 that are configured for receiving fasteners for joiningthe attachment leg 254 of the tray 242 to the PCB 228. Furthermore, theinner surface 246 of the frame coupling member 242 may include fasteningmechanisms for securing the frame coupling member 242 to the frame 112.Fastening mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, one or moreclips, one or more bosses for receiving fasteners such as screws, bolts,or ties, for example, or grooves/extended portions for engaging a matingportion on the steering wheel frame 112. Other methods of fastening theframe coupling member 242 to the frame 112 may include adhesives,welding, or other suitable fastening methods.

The frame coupling member 242 may include a thermally conductivematerial such that the frame coupling member 242 can transfer heat fromthe PCB 228 and/or other components of the system 204 to the frame 112.

In other implementations (not shown), the system 204 may not include theframe coupling member 242, and the tray 234 and/or light guide 208 maybe coupled to the frame 112 directly or indirectly via anotherstructure.

FIG. 27 illustrates another implementation of the tray 234′. In thisimplementation, tray 234′ is directly coupled to the frame 112, withoutthe need for separate frame coupling member as described above. Thesecond end 252′ of the tray 234′ includes an attachment leg 254′. Inaddition, the first end 250′ of the tray 234′ and the second end 252′each define an opening 292 a, 292 b, respectively. A fasteningmechanism, such as those described above, may be engaged through each ofthe openings 292 a, 292 b to couple the tray 234′ to the steering wheelframe 112. In addition, in the implementation shown in FIG. 27, the tray234′ defines a slot 294 through which the PCB, such as PCB 228 shown inFIG. 19, may be inserted.

The warning system 204 may also include an outer lens that is coupledadjacent the outer surface 212 of the LCD 206 to improve the robustnessof the LCD 206. FIG. 21 illustrates one implementation of outer lens260. The outer lens 260 defines a channel having a ceiling 262 and atleast two walls 264 a, 264 b that extend away from the ceiling 262adjacent each side of the ceiling 262. The ceiling 262 includes an innersurface 266 and an outer surface 268 that are arcuate shaped and areopposite and spaced apart from each other relative a plane that extendsthrough each end of the outer lens 260. The side walls 264 a, 264 bextend from the inner surface 266 along each arcuate shaped side of theinner surface 266 at an angle of about 90°. The side walls 264 a, 264 bare disposed adjacent the tray side walls 240 a, 240 b, and the innersurface 266 is disposed adjacent the outer surface 212 of the LCD 206.The outer lens 260 is transparent such that light from the LCD 206 maypass through it and be visible to the vehicle operator. Examplematerials that may be used for the outer lens 260 include polycarbonate,polycarbonate blends, acrylic, nylon, or other suitable materials.

Furthermore, various fastening mechanisms may be used to secure theouter lens 260 relative to the light guide 208, including a frictionfit, one or more clips, snaps, clamps, screws, or bolts, welding, heatstaking, or a combination thereof

FIG. 24 shows an alternative implementation of the warning system 204that includes one or more light altering films 280, such as films 120,122 described above, disposed between the outer lens 260 and the lightguide 208. The light altering films 280 may be configured for diffusing,focusing, blocking, partially blocking, enhancing, or redirecting lightpassing between the outer surface 220 of the light guide 208 and theinner surface 266 of the outer lens 260. The films 280 may be applied tothe inner surface 266 of the outer lens 260, the outer surface 264 ofthe outer lens 260, the outer surface 220 of the light guide 208, or acombination thereof, for example.

For example, in one alternative implementation, the warning system 204may be configured to not include the LCD 206. In such an implementation,the warning system 204 communicates with the vehicle operator via thelight emitted from the light guide 208. This implementation provides asimple, low cost method of communicating with the operator.

In one such implementation, an outer cap 295, such as is shown in FIGS.26A and 26B, is disposed over the tray 234 and the light guide 208 andis coupled to the tray 234 and/or frame 112. FIG. 26A illustrates aninner surface 302 of the outer cap 295. As shown, the outer cap 295 hasan upper edge 296 and a lower edge 297 that are arcuate shaped between afirst end 298 of the cap 295 and a second end 299 of the cap 295 tofollow the curvature of the steering wheel. The outer cap 295 defines anarcuate shaped opening 290 in a central portion of the cap 295. Outerlens 260′ is disposed adjacent the opening 290. The lens 260′ may becoupled to the inner surface 302 of the cap 295 via an adhesive 301 orother suitable fastening mechanism. As shown in FIG. 26B, when the cap295 is disposed over the tray 234 and light guide 208 and its outersurface 303 is facing the cabin of the vehicle, light from the lightguide 208 is emitted through the lens 260′, creating a narrow, arcuateshaped light bar. In implementations in which the cap 295 is opaque,light is only emitted from the lens 260′. However, in otherimplementations, at least a portion of the cap 295 may be translucent.

The cap 295 may have a curved or partially curved inner surface 302 andouter surface 303 to correspond with an annular shaped surface/contourof some steering wheels. In addition, the outer surface 303 of the cap295 may be colored or covered with a material to match or correspondwith the skin of the steering wheel.

When the LEDs are not on, ambient light may enter the lens 260′ andilluminate the reflective surface of the tray 234. To avoid thiscreating a distraction or being aesthetically unpleasing, the tray 234may be coated with a material, such a darker reflective material (e.g.,metallic colored), or subjected to a surface treatment, such as toprovide a glossy or textured finish. Alternatively or in addition, theouter lens 260′ may be tinted to reduce the transmissivity of the lens260, which can reduce the amount of ambient light that enters the lens260′ and light guide 208. In addition, in some implementations, theouter lens 260′ and the cap 295 are integrally formed, and areas havingdifferent transmissivity may be formed using one or more light alteringfilms disposed on the cap 295 (e.g., using in mold decoration (IMD)labeling or other suitable process). FIGS. 22 and 23 show an alternativeimplementation of the warning system 204 that includes a first set ofLEDs 110 adjacent the first end 224 of the light guide 208 and a secondset of LEDs 111 adjacent the second end 226 of the light guide 208. TheLEDs 110, 111 emit light into respective ends 224, 226 of the lightguide 208.

In the implementations described above with respect to FIGS. 15-25, theouter surfaces of various components of the light bar warning system 204are arcuate-shaped such that the radius of curvature of these componentsis similar to the radius of curvature of the rim portion of the steeringwheel 102 on which the warning system 204 is disposed and the arcuateshaped portions follow the arcuate shaped rim portion of the steeringwheel frame 112. This may provide a more aesthetic appearance to thevehicle operator. In addition, by including the warning system 204adjacent an upper central portion of the steering wheel 102, the warningsystem 204 is within the field of view of the vehicle operator while thevehicle operator is looking towards the front of the vehicle, thusproviding a more effective and less disruptive method of communicatingto the vehicle operator.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate an illumination system 404 that may be coupledanywhere on the steering grip 102 or in the vehicle for illuminating theinterior of the vehicle. A use of the illumination system 404 is forproviding illumination for an occupant monitoring system. As shown inFIG. 28, the illumination system 404 includes a light guide 408, a lens460, a carrier 434, and a light source 410 coupled to a PCB 428.

The light guide 408 is similar to the light guides described above inrelation to FIGS. 15-20 and 24-25. The light guide 408 has an arcuateshape, similar to light guide 208. However, in other implementations,the shape of the light guide 408 may be selected based on the area ofthe vehicle where the light guide is to be mounted. For example, thelight guide 408 may have a rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, or othersuitable shape as viewed from an outer surface thereof.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the light guide 408 canbe coupled to a rim portion of the steering grip 102. The radius ofcurvature of the inner 422 and outer surface 420 of the light guide 408is similar to (e.g., matches, coordinates with) the radius of curvatureof the rim portion.

The lens 460 may be similar to the lens 260 and/or lens 260′ and cap 295described above in relation to FIGS. 15-21 and 24. And, the tray 434 issimilar to the trays 234, 234′ described above in relation to FIGS.15-20 and 27. The light guide 408 is disposed within the tray 434 suchthat an inner surface 422 of the light guide 408 faces a floor 438 ofthe tray 434. However, in other implementations in which the light guide408 is to be coupled to other portions of the steering grip 102 orelsewhere in the vehicle, another base structure may be used in lieu ofthe tray 434. For example, in implementations in which the light guide408 is coupled to the hub portion of the frame 112, such as the upperportion of the hub portion, a base that engages first or second surfacesof the light guide 408 to secure the orientation of the light guide maybe used, such as base 320 described below in relation to FIGS. 35-39.

The light source 410 includes at least one IR light source, such as anIR LED, and is disposed adjacent a first end 424 of the light guide 408.The IR LED 410 is coupled to a PCB 428, such as is described above. Insome implementations, the PCB 428 is thermally coupled to the frame ofthe steering grip 102.

An inner surface 466 of the lens 460 faces an outer surface 420 of thelight guide 408. IR light emitted by the IR LED 410 travels through thelight guide 408 from the first end 424 to a second end 426 of the lightguide 408 and through the outer surface 420. The light emitted from theouter surface 420 of the light guide 408 enters the inner surface 466 ofthe lens 460 and passes through and is emitted out of an outer surface468 of the lens 460, which is shown by the arrows in FIG. 28.

Light reflecting features, such as micro-lenses and/or films, such asthose described above and below in relation to FIGS. 31A and 31C, may bedisposed on the inner surface 422 or the outer surface 420 of the lightguide 408 to direct the light traveling through the light guide 408 outof the outer surface 420 of the light guide 408 at a certain angle orrange of angles.

FIG. 29 illustrates an infrared image of the illumination system 404,showing the IR light being emitted from the outer surface 468 of thelens 460.

In some implementations, one or more light directing films may bedisposed between the outer surface 420 of the light guide 408 and theinner surface 466 of the lens 460. The light directing films may be anyof those described above. The light directing films change acharacteristic of the light passing through the film. In someimplementations, a film or material that is opaque to visible light butallows for the transmission of IR light may be provided on the outersurface 420 and/or the inner surface 466 or one or more portions thereofto control how IR and visible light are transmitted through the lens 460and light guide 408.

FIG. 30 illustrates a variation of the implementation shown in FIG. 28that also includes at least one visible light LED 411. The IR LED 410 iscoupled to PCB 428 and is disposed adjacent the first end 424 of thelight guide 408, and the visible light LED 411 is coupled to PCB 429 andis disposed adjacent the second end 426 of the light guide 408. The IRlight from the IR LED 410 and the visible light from the visible lightLED 411 travel through the light guide 408 and through the outer surface420 of the light guide 408. The light then travels through the lens 460as described above. Thus, the illumination system shown in FIG. 30 canbe used to illuminate the inside of a vehicle for an IR-based imagingsystem and for communicating with occupants using visible light, such asis described above.

FIGS. 31A-32 illustrate another implementation of an illumination system504 that is similar to the implementations shown in FIG. 30 in that itprovides both IR and visible light illumination through the same lightguide. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 31A-C, the illumination system504 includes a light guide 508, a first light source 510 a, a secondlight source 510 b, a third light source 510 c, and a fourth lightsource 510 d. The first light source 510 a is coupled to PCB 528 a andis disposed adjacent the first end 524 of the light guide 508. Thesecond light source 510 b is coupled to PCB 528 b and is disposedadjacent the inner surface 522 of the light guide 508 adjacent the firstend 524. The third light source 510 c is coupled to PCB 528 c and isdisposed adjacent the second end 526 of the light guide 508, and thefourth light source 510 d is coupled to PCB 528 c and is disposedadjacent the inner surface 522 of the light guide 508 adjacent thesecond end 526.

In the implementation shown, the first light source 510 a and thirdlight source 510 c are a visible light source (e.g., visible light LED)and the second light source 510 b and fourth light source 510 d areinfrared light sources (e.g., IR LED). However, in otherimplementations, the first light source 510 a and/or third light source510 c may be an infrared light source, and the second light source 510 band/or the fourth light source 510 d may be a visible light source.

The second light source 510 b is disposed adjacent an end portion 530 aof the inner surface 522, and third light source 510 d is disposedadjacent end portion 530 b of the inner surface 522. The end portion 530a is a portion of the inner surface 522 that is adjacent the first end524 of the light guide 508, and the end portion 530 b is a portion ofthe inner surface 522 that is adjacent the second end 526. However, inother implementations, the second and/or fourth light source 510 b, 510d may be disposed adjacent other portions of the inner surface 522.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 31A and 31C, a portion of the innersurface 522 of the light guide 508 includes micro-lenses 532 that guidelight traveling through the light guide 508 toward the outer surface 520of the light guide 508. For example, the micro-lenses 532 shown in FIGS.31A and 31C cause the light to exit the outer surface 520 at an angle of90° relative to the outer surface 520. However, in otherimplementations, the micro-lenses 532 may be configured to cause thelight to exit the outer surface 520 at any suitable angle relative tothe outer surface 520. The density of the micro-lenses graduallyincreases as a distance from the light source 510 increases. Thus, inthe implementation shown in FIGS. 31A-C, which includes two lightsources on each end 524, 526 of the light guide 508, the micro-lenses522 are most dense adjacent the central portion 525 of the light guide508, and the density decreases toward the end portions of the lightguide 508, such as end portion 530 a, 530 b. In the implementation shownin FIG. 31C, the end portions 530 a, 520 b are void of micro-lenses. Inother implementations, other types of light reflecting features may beused, such as one or more films, such as those described above.

Although not shown in FIGS. 31A-C, the illumination system 504 may justinclude the first and second light sources and not the third and fourthlight sources disposed adjacent the second end 526 of the light guide508, according to other implementations. In some of theseimplementations, the density of the micro-lenses 522 may be greatestadjacent the second end 526 of the light guide 508, depending on theintended use and/or operation of the light guide 508 and/or illuminationsystem 504.

As shown in FIG. 32, the illumination system 504 may also include a lens560 that has at least one opaque portion 562 and at least onetransparent or translucent portion 561. For example, the lens 560 may beconfigured similarly to the lens 260′ and cap 295 described above inrelation to FIGS. 26A and 26B. Alternatively, the lens 560 may includelight blocking material to create the opaque portion 562 (e.g., films,paint, etc.). The opaque portion 562 prevents light from the light guide508 from passing through the opaque portion 562. Films or other coatingsor material treatments may be used to create the opaque portion 562 andtransparent or translucent portion 561, such as those described above.In addition, the lens 560 includes two IR transmissive portions 563 a,563 b. The IR transmissive portions 563 a, 563 b allow the passage of IRlight through it, but does not allow the passage of visible light. Asshown in FIG. 32, the IR transmissive portions 563 a, 563 b are disposedadjacent (e.g., in front of, when assembled) the end portions 530 a, 530b of the light guide 508.

In addition, although the light guide 508 is shown as rectangular shapedin FIG. 32, the shape of the light guide 508 may be selected based onwhere and/or how the light guide 508 and/or other components of theillumination system 504 are to be provided within the vehicle, accordingto other implementations. For example, in an implementation in which theillumination system 504 is to be coupled to a rim portion of the frameof a steering grip 102, the light guide 508 may have an arcuate shape asviewed from the outer surface of the light guide 508, as described abovein relation to FIGS. 15-20, 242-25, and 28-29. For example, the radiusof curvature of the inner 522 and outer surfaces 520 of the light guide508 are similar to the radius of curvature of the rim portion.

FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate an illumination system 604 according toanother implementation. The illumination system 604 includes a lightguide 608, one or more LEDs 610 disposed adjacent a first end 624 and/orsecond end 626 of the light guide 608, a segmented display 606, and alens 660 having a graphic pattern 665 disposed on the outer surface 668thereof. The light guide 608 and one or more LEDs 610 are similar to anyof those described above in relation to FIGS. 15-20, 24-25, and 28-32.The shape of the light guide 608 may be selected based on where and/orhow the light guide 608 and/or other components of the illuminationsystem 608 are to be coupled within the vehicle, according to variousimplementations. For example, the light guide 608 shown in FIGS. 33A and33B is arcuate shaped. In some implementations in which the light guide608 is to be coupled to an arcuate shaped portion of the steering grip102, the radius of curvature of the inner 622 and outer surfaces 620 ofthe light guide may be selected to match or coordinate with the radiusof curvature of the portion of the steering grip 102 to which theillumination system 604 is coupled.

The segmented display 606 may include any of the segmented displaysdescribed above in relation to FIGS. 15-20. And, the graphic pattern 665on the lens 660 can be defined using films, etching, or other suitablesurface treatments to alter the appearance of light exiting the lens 660through or around the graphic pattern 665. Furthermore, the graphicpattern 665 may be formed on the inner surface 664 of the lens 660 inother implementations. In some implementations, graphic patterns 665 aretransparent or translucent and the rest of the lens 660 is opaque.

Similar to the implementations described above in relation to FIGS.15-20, 24-25, and 28-32, the light guide 608 is disposed in carrier (ortray) 634, and the one or more LEDs 610 are disposed adjacent first 624and/or second ends 626 of the light guide 608. Light from the one ormore LEDs 610 travels through the light guide 608 and through the outersurface 620 of the light guide 608. The one or more LEDs 610 include atleast one visible light LED, and each LED 610 is coupled to a PCB, suchas PCB 628. The one or more PCBs 628 may be thermally coupled to theframe of the steering grip 102.

The inner surface 614 of the segmented display 606 is disposed adjacentthe outer surface 620 of the light guide 608. Light exiting the outersurface 620 of the light guide 608 travels through the inner surface 614of the segmented display 606. The segmented display 606 comprises two ormore segments, such as segments 619 a, 619 b, 619 c, which areseparately activatable. A segmented display driver is electricallycoupled to each segment of the segmented display 606 via traces, andeach segment is selectively activated by sending current to the segment,allowing light to pass through it. When the segment is not activated(not receiving current), the segment does not allow light to passthrough it. Thus, the segmented display 606 acts as a filter to allowselected areas to be illuminated.

Furthermore, in some implementations in which the light source 608 emitswhite light, the segmented display 606 may be configured to filtercertain wavelengths of light that pass through it such that light havinga certain color is emitted from a particular segment of the outersurface 612 of the segmented display 606. For example, if white lightenters the inner surface 614 of the segmented display 606, one segmentmay filter all wavelengths except light having a certain color (e.g.,red, green, yellow, etc.) such that only light having that certain coloris emitted from the outer surface 612 of the segmented display 606.

The segmented display driver is similar to the LCD driver describedabove in relation to FIGS. 15-20 (e.g., includes a chip-on-glassconfiguration). In addition, similar to the system 204 described abovein relation to FIGS. 15-27, a computer processor for electricallycommunicating with the segmented display driver is disposed on arotatable portion of the steering wheel (e.g., adjacent the segmenteddisplay 606). And, example types of segmented displays 606 and othersegmented displays that may be used are described above in relation toFIGS. 15-20.

The inner surface 664 of the lens 660 is disposed adjacent and facingthe outer surface 612 of the segmented display 606, and the graphicpatterns 665 are aligned with segments of the segmented display 606 thatilluminate each pattern 665. For example, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B,the graphic patterns indicated as 665 a and 665 c are illuminated whensegments 619 a and 619 c are activated, and the graphic patternindicated as 665 b is illuminated with segment 619 b is activated. Thegraphic patterns 665 a, 665 b, 665 c shown are examples, and anysuitable graphic pattern may be provided depending on the intended useof the illumination system 604.

In the implementation shown, the LED 610 is a single-color LED (e.g.,white light). However, in other implementations, the LED may be amulti-color LED. In addition, the system 604 may include an LED havingthe same or different color at each end 624, 626 of the light guide 608,according to some implementations. And, in other implementations, thesystem 604 may include at least one IR LED at one end of the light guideand at least one visible light LED at the other end. In such animplementation, the LCD 606 may include one or more activatable segmentsthat allow the IR and/or the visible light to pass through the LCD 606.

FIG. 34A-H illustrates an illumination system 704 according to anotherimplementation. The illumination system 704 includes a light guide 708,a light source 710 that emits visible light into one end of the lightguide 708, a lens 760 and a perforated outer cover 770. The light guide708 and light source 710 are similar to the light guides and visiblelight sources described above. For example, the light source 710includes one or more visible light sources. Examples of visible lightsources include, for example, one or more LEDs at one or both ends ofthe light guide 708. The one or more light sources may have the samecolor, different colors, emit one color, or emit multiple colors.

The lens 760 includes an inner surface 762 and an outer surface 764. Theinner surface 762 of the lens 760 faces the outer surface 720 of thelight guide 708, and the outer surface 764 of the lens faces in theopposite direction from the inner surface 762.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 34A-34H, the illumination system704 is coupled to the rim portion of steering grip 102. The light guide708, tray 734, and the lens 760 are arcuate shaped and follow the radiusof curvature of the rim portion. In addition, the lens 760 may becoupled to the tray 734, which is coupled to the rim portion.

The lens 760 may be similar in shape and in how it is coupled to theillumination system 704 as cap 295 described above in relation to FIGS.26A-26B. For example, in some implementations, the lens 760 is contouredto coordinate with (e.g., match or aesthetically correspond with) theportions of the rim adjacent to the lens 760. In particular, the inner762 and outer surfaces 764 of the lens 760 are contoured to form anarcuate shape as viewed from the inner 762 or outer surface 764 and froma cross section of the lens 760 as viewed from a plane that bisects theinner 762 and outer surface 764. The contour is selected to match anouter covering coupled to the rim portion of a steering grip 102, whichallows the illumination system 704 to be coupled to the rim portion andblend in with the outer covering of the rim portion.

The lens 760 has at least one transparent or translucent portion throughwhich light from the light guide 708 passes from the inner surface 762of the lens 760 to the outer surface 764 of the lens 760.

The perforated outer cover 770 includes a material that defines aplurality of perforations 772 through a portion of the material. Thematerial may be any of the materials described above in relation outercoverings around the rim portion of the steering grip 102 or elsewherein the vehicle. For example, the material may include leather. Theperforations 772 allow light from the outer surface 764 of the lens 760to pass through the outer covering 770 to be viewed by occupants in thevehicle. However, when the light source 710 is not illuminated, the lens760 and light guide 708 cannot be seen by the occupants, providing anaesthetically pleasing appearance.

The perforations 772 can be elliptical, circular, hexagonal, and/or anypolygonal shape. In addition, the perforations may be arranged in apattern having different shapes and/or sizes or having the same shapeand size. Furthermore, a diameter or distance between opposite andspaced apart edges of each opening ranges from 0.2 mm to 4.75 mm. FIGS.34D-34H illustrate various example patterns of perforations and examplesizes of the perforations. In addition, the perforations 772 may havedifferent diameters and/or the density of the perforations 772 may bealtered along the covering 770 to provide a particular pattern whenilluminated. Furthermore, the perforations may be filled with atransparent or translucent material or left as is.

The implementations of illumination systems described above in relationto FIGS. 28-34H may be coupled anywhere in the vehicle or on any portionof the steering assembly 100.

In addition, instead of a perforated cover 770, in otherimplementations, the lens 760 is coated with a film or other coatingmaterial that defines one or more transparent and/or translucent areasand one or more opaque areas. For example, in one implementation, thelens 760 is covered with an opaque coating (e.g., paint or film) andnon-opaque patterns are etched into the opaque coating.

In some implementations, the contour of the outer surface of the cover770 and/or the lens 760 corresponds with (e.g., matches or coordinateswith) a contour of the trim adjacent the cover 770 and/or lens 760.

FIGS. 35-39 illustrate an example implementation of an illuminationsystem 304 that is coupled to an upper portion of the hub portion of theframe 112. As shown in FIGS. 35-39, the illumination system 304 includesa base 320, a housing 330, a light guide 308, and at least one lightsource 310. The base 320 includes a first sidewall 326 and a second sidewall 328 that are spaced apart from each other and define a channel 329between them. An arcuate shaped support surface 325 extends through thechannel 329 and has a radius of curvature. In addition, the secondsidewall 328 defines one or more openings 323 that extend between afirst surface 322 and a second surface 324 of the second sidewall 328.The first 322 and second surfaces 324 of the second sidewall 328 arespaced apart from and opposite each other relative to a plane thatintersects the first 326 and second side walls 328.

The housing 330 shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 is formed integrally with anupper portion 332 a of a back cover 332. The back cover 332 is coupledto the hub portion of the frame 112 and covers a back side of the hubportion. The housing 330 has an arcuate shaped ceiling 336 that extendsabove the upper surface 332 a of the back cover 332. The ceiling 336 andthe upper portion 332 a of the back cover 332 define a window 334therebetween that faces the occupants of the vehicle. The ceiling 336has an arcuate shaped profile as viewed from the front of the steeringassembly 100 (i.e., from the perspective of the operator), which isshown in FIGS. 38-39. The ceiling 336 defines a chamber below. In someimplementations, a transparent (or translucent) lens 339 is disposedwithin the window 336 to seal the window from debris entering thehousing 330 through the window 334. However, in other implementations,the lens 339 is not provided, and the light guide 308 is disposedagainst the window 336 to seal the window from debris entering thehousing 330. Furthermore, a light diffusing film may be disposed on theouter surface of the light guide 308.

The light guide 308 is an arcuate shaped light guide similar to lightguide 208 described above. At least a portion of the first surface 342of the light guide 308 is disposed within the channel 329 and abuts thearcuate shaped support surface 325. The radius of curvature of the firstsurface 342 of the light guide 308 is the same as the radius ofcurvature of the support surface 325. At least a portion of the first344 and second ends 346 of the light guide 308 are disposed between thesidewalls 326 and 328 of the base 320. In the implementation shown, awidth of the channel 329 W_(C) is similar to a width W_(L) of the lightguide 308 to hold the light guide 308 within the channel 329 using afriction fit.

Once coupled to the base 320, the second surface 343 of the light guide308 is urged into the chamber toward the ceiling 336 of the upperportion 332 a of the back cover 332. The openings 323 defined in thesecond sidewall 324 are aligned with openings defined in the housing330, and a fastener is engaged through each aligned set of openings tocouple the base 320 to the housing 330 with the light guide 308 disposedbetween them. FIG. 39 illustrates the base 320 coupled to the housing330.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 37, the light source 310 is an LEDcoupled to a PCB 315, such as is described above in relation to FIGS.15-20, 24-25, and 28-34. The PCB 315 is coupled to the hub portion ofthe frame 112 such that the LED 310 coupled to the PCB 315 emits lightinto the first end 344 of the light guide 308. In the implementationshown in FIG. 37, the LED 310 is a top-firing LED, but in otherimplementations, the LED may be a side-firing LED, and the PCB 315 wouldbe arranged to accommodate the side-firing LED emitting light into theend of the light guide 308. In addition, the PCB 315 may be thermallycoupled to the frame 112, as is described above, to transfer heatgenerated by the LED away from the LED and PCB toward the frame.Furthermore, more than one LED may be coupled to the PCB for emittinglight into the first end 344. And, although the implementation shown inFIGS. 35-39, illustrates one PCB 315 and one LED 310 adjacent the firstend 344 of the light guide 308, other implementations may include asecond LED coupled to a second PCB and disposed adjacent a second end346 of the light guide 308 to emit light toward the second end 346.

The LED may include an IR LED or a visible light LED (e.g., a single ormulti-color LED). For example, if the illumination system 304 is used toilluminate the interior of a vehicle for an occupant monitoring system,the LED 310 includes an IR LED. However, if the illumination system 304is used to communicate with occupants of the vehicle, the LED 310includes a visible light LED. In some implementations, which aredescribed in detail below in relation to FIGS. 38-39, visible and IRLEDs may be used to illuminate the light guide 308 together. And, inother implementations, the light source may include other suitable lightsources other than LEDs, such as those described above. In addition,although the light guide 308 shown in FIGS. 35-39 is arcuate shapedsimilar to light guide 208 described in relation to FIGS. 15-34, theshaped of the light guide 308 may be selected based on the housing inwhich the light guide 308 is to be disposed, according to otherimplementations. For example, if the housing has a rectangular ortrapezoidal shaped ceiling, the second surface of the light guide mayhave a rectangular or trapezoidal shape. In addition, although the base320 is described as including an arcuate shaped support surface 325, inother implementations, the arcuate shaped support surface 325 may not beincluded, and the second surface 342 of the light guide 308 be straightand fit within the channel 329 of the base 320.

Furthermore, light directing films, such as any of those described abovemay be disposed between the outer surface of the light guide and theinner surface of the outer lens.

FIGS. 40-47 illustrate another implementation of an illumination system804. In this implementation, the first base sidewall 826 of the base 820is transparent or translucent and extends between the light guide 808and the window 834, instead of ending at or below a lower edge of thewindow as in the implementation shown in FIGS. 35-39. In addition, inthis implementation of the illumination system 804, the PCB 815 iscoupled to the base 820, the housing 830 is separately formed from theback cover 332, and the housing 830 and base 820 are coupled together byclips or other fastening mechanisms.

In some implementations, at least one area 826 a of the first basesidewall 826 that extends between the light guide 808 and the window 834may include one or more light altering films to change the properties ofor mask the light emitted from the light guide 808. For example, thefirst base sidewall 826 may include a light masking film in one or moreareas 826 a to prevent light from the light guide 808 from being emittedfrom those areas. In other examples, the first base sidewall 826 mayinclude a light diffusing film in one or more areas 826 a to diffuse thelight being emitted from the light guide 808 in those areas 826 a.

The second base sidewall 828 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.In addition, the second base sidewall 828 may also include a lightreflecting film disposed on at least a portion of the second sidewall828 facing the channel 829 defined between the first 826 and secondsidewalls 828 to reflect light emitted from the light guide 808 towardthe first base sidewall 826 and the window 834. A second edge 824 (e.g.,upper edge) of the second base sidewall 828 has a similar profile shapeas a second edge 836 (e.g., upper edge) of the first base sidewall 826.In addition, second edges 824, 836 have a similar profile shape as asecond edge 843 of the light guide 808. However, in otherimplementations, the second edges 824 and 836 may be different than thesecond edge 843 of the light guide 808 and/or each other. For example,the second edges 824 and 836 may be shaped to correspond to a ceiling876 of the housing 830 such that the second edges 824, 836 abut theceiling 876.

A coupling plate 850 extends from the second base sidewall 828 in aplane that is transverse to a plane in which the second base sidewall828 extends and in a direction away from the first 826 and second basesidewalls 828. In the implementation shown, the coupling plate 850extends from a first edge 822 (e.g., a lower edge) of the second basesidewall 828. The coupling plate 850 defines a plurality of openings 852and/or recesses 854. One or more of the openings 852 and/or recesses 854receive clips and/or protrusions that extend from an interior surface877 of the housing 830 to couple the base 820 with the housing 830. Inaddition, in some implementations, one or more of the openings 852and/or recesses 854 may engage clips and/or protrusions that extend froman interior surface of the back cover 332 for coupling the base 820 andhousing 830 with the back cover 332. In other implementations, thecoupling plate 850 may extend between the first edge 822 and the secondedge 824 of the second base sidewall 828.

The PCB 815 is coupled to one end 840 of the base 820, and one or moreLEDs 810 coupled to the PCB 815 emit light into the first end 844 of thelight guide 808. An electrical connector 816 may be coupled to the PCB815 for electrically coupling the PCB 815 with one or more other vehiclesystems.

The housing 830 includes ceiling 876 that extends from an outer side 883of the housing 830 to an inner side 884 of the housing 830, a window bar878 that extends between each end of the housing 830 across the outerside 883 of the housing 830, an inner surface 877 that extends from theinner side 884 of the housing 830, and tabs 880 that extend from theinner surface 877 in a direction toward the window bar 878. The ceiling876 is arcuate shaped as viewed from the side to blend into the outersurface of the back cover 332. The housing 830 also includes a stopsurface 882 along the inner side 884. The window bar 878 and the edge ofthe ceiling 876 adjacent the outer side 883 of the housing 830 definethe window 834 through which light from the illumination system 804 isemitted. In addition, an opening 885 is defined between the window bar878 and the inner surface 877.

To assemble the illumination system base 820, light guide 808, andhousing 830 with the back cover 332 of the steering assembly, the lightguide 808 is received in the channel 829 of the base 820 such that end844 of the light guide 808 is adjacent the one or more LEDs 810 on thePCB 815. The base 820 is then inserted into an opening defined in theback cover 332 such that a peripheral edge of the coupling plate 850abuts an inner surface of the back cover 332 and the portion 826 a ofthe first base sidewall extends through the opening. To align the base820 with the inner surface of the back cover 332, the recesses 854 arealigned with protrusions extending from the back cover. The housing 830is then urged over the base 820 such that the portion 826 a of the base820 extends through the opening 885 and the ceiling 876 of the housing830 and the window 834 defined by the housing 830 extend above theopening in the back cover 332. Tabs 880 of the housing are engaged withthe openings 852 in the coupling plate 850 to couple the housing 830with the base 820. And, the window bar 878 and the stop surface 882 abutedges of the opening defined in the back cover 332. However, in otherimplementations, one or more tabs extend from the second sidewall of thebase, and the inner surface of the housing defines openings that receivethe tabs.

In other implementations, the housing may be integrally formed with theback cover, and the base 820 may be coupled with the housing using tabsthat extend from an inner surface of the back cover, such as isdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 40-47. In other implementations,the housing, whether separately or integrally formed with the backcover, may be coupled to the base using other suitable fasteningmechanisms, such as screws, rivets, adhesive, clips, etc.

In addition, in some implementations, the light guide includes two ormore separate light guide segments that can be separately orsimultaneously illuminated. For example, as shown in FIGS. 48-62, theillumination system 904 includes an inner base 920 a, an outer base 920b, a first light guide segment 908 a, a second light guide segment 908b, and a third light guide segment 908 c.

The inner base 920 a includes a first surface 922, a second surface 921,a first end 960, a second end 961, and an outer surface 923. The secondsurface 921 is arcuate shaped and extends between each end 960, 961, butthe second surface 921 can be any shape that can be received withinhousing 930, which is similar to the housing 330 described above inrelation to FIGS. 38 and 39. The first surface 922 extends between theends 960, 961 and is spaced apart from the second surface 921. The firstsurface 922 is planar, but the first surface 922 can be any shape thatcan be received within housing 930. The outer surface 923, which extendsbetween the second surface 921 and the first surface 922 and the first960 and second ends 961, defines a support surface 925 and a recess 927.The support surface 925 is in a plane spaced apart between the secondsurface 921 and the first surface 922 and extends between first 960 andsecond ends 961. The recess 927 is defined along a portion of the firstsurface 922 and the outer surface 923 wherein the surfaces 922, 923intersect, and PCB recesses 962 a, 962 b, 962 c are defined at ends 960,961.

The outer base 920 b has planar outer 931 and inner surfaces 932 thatextend between first surface 934 and second surface 933 of the outerbase 920 b. A tab 935 extends from the first surface 934 along a planetransverse to the inner surface 932, away from the outer 931 and innersurfaces 932. The outer base 920 b also includes first 936 and secondends 937 that extend between the second surface 933 and the firstsurface 934, and each end 936, 937 defines an opening 938, 939,respectively.

A first surface 955 of the third light guide segment 908 c is disposedon the support surface 925 of the inner base 920 a. Inner surfaces 947a, 947 b of first 908 a and second light guide segments 908 b,respectively, are disposed against a portion of the outer surface 948 cof the third light guide segment 908 c. A first end 944 a of the firstlight guide segment 908 a is disposed adjacent the first end 960 of theinner base 920 a, and a second end 945 b of the second light guidesegment 908 b is disposed adjacent the second end 961 of the inner base920 a. A second end 945 a of the first light guide segment 908 a and afirst end 944 b of the second light guide segment 908 b abut each otheradjacent an intermediate portion 975 of the inner base 920 a. Aninterface between first end 944 b of the second light guide segment 908b and the second end 945 a of the first light guide segment 908 aincludes a light blocking film to prevent light from each segment 908 a,908 b from entering the other segment. And, an interface between theportion of the outer surface 948 c of the third light guide segment 908c and the inner surfaces 947 a, 947 b of the first 908 a and secondlight guide segments 908 b includes a light blocking film to preventlight from each segment 908 a, 908 b, 908 c from entering the othersegments. In other implementations, the interfaces may include othersuitable materials for blocking light.

In addition, a transparent lens 940 is disposed on the second surfaces941 a, 941 b of the first 908 a and second light guide segments 908 b,respectively. The lens 940 has a second surface 956 that extends to thesecond surface 941 c of the third light guide segment 908 c. A lightblocking film is disposed along the interface of the lens 940 and thesecond surfaces 941 a, 941 b of the first 908 a and second light guidesegments 908 b to prevent light from these segments 908 a, 908 b frompassing into the lens 940. The light from the third light guide segment908 c is emitted through the lens 940. The lens 940 gives theillumination system 904 a flush appearance. In other implementations,the lens 940 may be translucent or not included.

A first LED 910 a and associated PCB 915 a are disposed adjacent thefirst end 944 a of the first light guide segment 908 a. A second LED 910b and associated PCB 915 b are disposed adjacent the second end 945 b ofthe second light guide segment 908 b. And, a third LED 910 c andassociated PCB 915 c are disposed adjacent the first 944 c and/or secondend 945 c of the third light guide segment 908 c. This arrangementallows the different segments to be illuminated individually or incombination with two or more segments. The PCBs 915 a, 915 b, 915 c areengaged into PCB recesses 962 a, 962 b, 962 c, respectively, defined inthe inner base 920 a.

The inner surface 932 of the outer base 920 b is disposed over a portionof the first 908 a and second light guide segments 908 b. The tab 935 ofthe outer base 920 b extends into and engages the recess 927 of theinner base 920 a with an interference fit, which couples the inner base920 a and the outer base 920 b and prevents the light guide segments 908a, 908 b, 908 c from moving relative to each other.

The second surfaces 941 a, 941 b, 941 c of the light guide segments 908a, 90 b, 908 c, respectively, and the lens 940 of the assembledillumination system 904 are extended into an opening defined by the backcover 332 such that portions of the light guide segments 908 a, 908 b,908 c above the outer base 920 b are within the window 934 defined bythe back cover 932 and housing 930. The illumination system 904 may becoupled to the housing 930 and back cover 932 by any suitable fasteningmechanism, such as screws, rivets, adhesive, clips, tabs, interferencefits, etc.

In some implementations, each opening 938, 939 defined by the outer base920 b aligns with openings 951, 952 defined in an outer plate 950coupled to the back cover 932 below the housing 930 and window 934. Inthis implementation, the outer plate 950 is integrally formed with theback cover 932, but in other implementations, the outer plate 950 isseparately formed and coupled to the back cover 932. Aligned openings951, 952 of the outer plate 950 and the openings 938, 939 of the outerbase 920 b receive fasteners that couple the illumination system 904with the back cover 932.

FIG. 60 shows the third light guide segment 908 c illuminated but thefirst 908 a and second light guide segments 908 b not illuminated. FIG.61 shows the first light guide segment 908 a illuminated but the third908 c and second light guide segments 908 b not illuminated. And, FIG.62 shows the second light guide segment 908 b illuminated but the third908 c and first light guide segments 908 a not illuminated.

The above described implementations of illumination systems in relationto FIGS. 35-62 are coupled to the back cover of the hub portion of thesteering assembly 100. However, in other implementations, theillumination systems may be adapted for coupling to another portion ofthe hub portion (e.g., air bag cover), the spoke portion, or the rimportion of the steering assembly 100.

In addition, although three light guide segments were described inrelation to FIGS. 48-62, two or more light guide segments may be used inthe illumination system.

In some implementations in which the housing and base are coupled to anon-rigid surface of the steering assembly, such as a foam surface thatis overmolded around a portion of the frame of the steering assembly, astiff spreader plate or washers may be disposed between engagingsurface(s) of the illumination system and the foam to prevent the foamfrom interfering with the engaging surface(s) of the illuminationsystem.

In some implementations, the illumination systems described above causethe light bars to emit visible light through at least a portion of thelight bars in response to receiving an audio signal from one or moremicrophones disposed within the vehicle cabin and/or to indicate thatone or more vehicle communication systems are actively listening foraudio input from the vehicle cabin. In some implementations, a firstmicrophone disposed in the cabin is configured for receiving an audiosignal, and a second microphone disposed in the cabin is configured forreceiving background noise, or vice versa. The signals from themicrophones may be communicated to the vehicle communication system, andthe background noise signal may be used to effect noise cancellation forthe audio signal received.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferredimplementation of the present invention, it will be understood thatvarious additions, modifications, combinations and/or substitutions maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular,it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present inventionmay be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements,proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used withmany modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials,and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention,which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operativerequirements without departing from the principles of the presentinvention. In addition, features described herein may be used singularlyor in combination with other features. The presently disclosedimplementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoingdescription.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the implementations described above without departing from thebroad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed,but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention, as defined by the following claims.

1-68. (canceled)
 69. An illumination system within a vehicle, theillumination system comprising: a light guide having an outer surfaceand an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end ofthe light guide; at least one visible light source disposed adjacent thefirst end of the light guide, the light source emitting visible lightinto the first end of the light guide; and a lens having an innersurface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the lens beingdisposed adjacent the outer surface of the light guide, and the outersurface of the lens being covered by an opaque cover, the opaque coverdefining transparent and/or translucent portions, wherein the lightguide transmits visible light from the visible light source through atleast a portion of the outer surface of the light guide, and the lightfrom the outer surface of the light guide passes through the lens andthe transparent and/or translucent portions of the opaque cover.
 70. Theillumination system of claim 69, wherein the illumination system iscoupled to a rim of a steering assembly, and the opaque cover matches anouter cover around the rim.
 71. The illumination system of claim 69,wherein the opaque cover is leather, and the transparent and/ortranslucent portions are perforations defined in the opaque cover. 72.The illumination system of claim 69, wherein the light source is avisible light emitting diode (LED).
 73. The illumination system of claim69, wherein the light source comprises a first visible LED adjacent thefirst end of the light guide and a second visible LED adjacent thesecond end of the light guide.
 74. The illumination system of claim 69,wherein the first visible LED emits a first color of light, and thesecond visible LED emits a second color of light.
 75. The illuminationsystem of claim 74, wherein the first and second color are the same. 76.The illumination system of claim 74, wherein the first and second colorare different.
 77. The illumination system of claim 69, wherein theouter and inner surfaces of the light guide are arcuate-shaped betweenthe ends of the light guide and spaced apart and opposite each otherrelative to a plane that extends through the first and second ends ofthe light guide and is parallel to the outer and inner surfaces of thelight guide.
 78. The illumination system of claim 77, wherein the lenshas a first end and a second end, and the outer and inner surfaces ofthe lens are arcuate-shaped between the ends of the lens as viewed froma first plane that extends through each end and as viewed from a secondplane that extends perpendicular to the outer and inner surfaces of thelens.
 79. The illumination system of claim 69, wherein the opaque coveris an opaque coating on the lens, and the transparent and/or translucentportions are etched from the opaque coating.
 80. The illumination systemof claim 70, wherein the light guide and lens have an arcuate shapecorresponding to a radius of curvature of the rim of a steeringassembly.
 81. The illumination system of claim 70, wherein the outersurface of the lens includes a curvature corresponding to a curvature ofa portion of the rim adjacent to the lens.
 82. The illumination systemof claim 81, wherein the inner surface of the lens has a curvaturecorresponding to the curvature of the outer surface of the lens and thecurvature of the portion of the rim adjacent to the lens, wherein theinner surface and outer surface of the lens form an arcuate shape asviewed from a cross section of the lens as viewed from a plane thatbisects the inner and outer surface.
 83. The illumination system ofclaim 71, wherein a width or diameter of the perforations ranges between0.2 mm and 4.75 mm.
 84. The illumination system of claim 71, wherein adiameter of the perforations at a location adjacent a midline of thelight guide is greater than a diameter of the perforations at a locationadjacent the first end of the light guide.
 85. The illumination systemof claim 71, wherein the perforations are filled with a transparent ortranslucent material.
 86. The illumination system of claim 71, wherein aspacing density between adjacent perforations increases from a locationadjacent the first end of the light guide toward a location adjacent themidline of the light guide.
 87. The illumination system of claim 69,wherein the light guide comprises two or more light guide segments, thetwo or more light guide segments being separately formed, and whereinthe at least one light source comprises two or more light sources, eachlight source being disposed adjacent an end of the respective lightguide segment, the light sources being separately controllable forilluminating separately or simultaneously.
 88. The illumination systemof claim 87, wherein adjacent surfaces of the light guide segments abuteach other at an interface and the interface comprises a light blockingmaterial for preventing light from the segments from being emitted intothe adjacent segments.
 89. The illumination system of claim 69 furthercomprising: at least one infrared (IR) light source disposed adjacentthe light guide, the IR light source emitting IR light into the lightguide, wherein the light guide transmits IR light from the IR lightsource through at least a portion of the outer surface of the lightguide, wherein the lens includes an infrared transmissive portion thatallows the passage of IR light through it and does not allow the passageof visible light.